Born in Orange County son of well-known worship leader John Wickham. He moved to San Diego in the middle of junior high school, which spawned his career. Asked by his youth pastor to lead worship at the age of 12, Wickham accepted, encouraged by his father then a worship pastor at Chuck Smith's Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa.
By 18, Wickham had released his debut CD, Give You My World, including the hit song "Shining." Surprised by its good reception, he began working on twelve new songs for his self-titled album, which was released on April 25, 2006 with Simple Records.Wickham's second release with Simple/INO Records, Cannons, was released in 2007. Cannons was inspired by cannon explosions and C.S. Lewis's book, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader from The Chronicles of Narnia series. Wickham stated in an interview with ChristianityToday.com that the album is "about how the universe is exploding with the glory of God, and how we are compelled to join in with its song." The 10th track from Cannons, "Jesus Lord of Heaven", has been translated into seven different languages. On August 8, 2008 Wickham released a live worship album titled singalong, recorded at Solid Rock Church in Portland, Oregon with 3000 fans present. The album was released as a free download, only available from his website, and received over 8,000 downloads within a week of being released. After the release of his singalong album, his self-titled debut climbed to No. 25 on iTunes Top Christian Albums chart (2 years after its initial release).
Wickham visits churches across the nation to play his music.
He recently (June 2008) performed at the Frenzy one-day Christian music festival, in Scotland.
High Above
Phil Wickham Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Standing high above
Wrapped in lift and crowned in love
Dark shaker
It trembles at your name
And here with you we are amazed
I can't look away
I am captivated
But sing in adoration
You are holy
You are holy
High above the earth
You are holy
You are holy
High above the earth
Creator
What mysteries you hold
Your words worth more than wells of gold
Soulwaker
You bring our hearts to life
And here with you we're satisfied
I can't look away
I am captivated
What else can I say
But sing in adoration
You are holy
You are holy
High above the earth
You are holy
You are holy
High above the earth
I can't look away
I am captivated
What else can I say
But sing in adoration
You are holy
You are holy
High above the earth
You are holy
You are holy
High above the earth
You are holy
You are holy
High above the earth
You are holy
You are holy
You reign over all the earth
In "High Above," Phil Wickham paints an ethereal and sublime picture of a deity who reigns over the earth. The lyrics are packed with vivid imagery of this being standing high above all creation, wrapped in lift and crowned in love. The first verse is a celebration of the god's majesty and power, with starmaker and dark shaker being metaphors for someone who creates and controls the universe. The awe and wonder that this being inspires is palpable in the lyrics, with the word "amazed" echoing throughout the song as a testament to the profound nature of the god being described.
The chorus repeats the phrase "you are holy" in a way that is both declarative and worshipful. With each repetition of this refrain, Wickham seems to be ascending higher and higher, reaching toward the heavens in an attempt to touch the divine presence that he is singing to. The second verse is a reminder that this god is also a creator, one who holds mysteries that are worth more than any treasure on earth. The final line, "soulwaker," emphasizes the god's ability to breathe life into our hearts, an idea that is both comforting and empowering.
In conclusion, "High Above" is a stunning example of how music can convey the ineffable and sublime. Phil Wickham's lyrics are a testament to the power of faith and the human longing for transcendence.
Line by Line Meaning
Starmaker
Addressing God as the one who creates and orchestrates all creation like the stars in the sky
Standing high above
Acknowledging that God is exalted above all and beyond human comprehension
Wrapped in lift and crowned in love
Describing God being surrounded by glory and love
Dark shaker
Referring to God as powerful and capable of shaking the foundations of the earth
It trembles at your name
Suggesting God's name carries authority and causes fear and reverence
And here with you we are amazed
Expressing awe and wonder at the presence of God
I can't look away
Being so captivated and mesmerized by God's goodness that it's impossible to turn away
I am captivated
Being held spellbound by God's beauty and glory
What else can I say
Being at a loss for words to describe how amazing God is
But sing in adoration
Responding to God's magnificence with worship and praise
You are holy
Acknowledging God's holiness and purity
High above the earth
Reiterating the idea that God is beyond human understanding and reigns over everything
Creator
Continuing to identify God as the Creator
What mysteries you hold
Recognizing God's limitless wisdom that surpasses human comprehension
Your words worth more than wells of gold
Valuing God's word as more precious than any material treasure
Soulwaker
Attributing to God the power to awaken and give life to human souls
You bring our hearts to life
Describing how God revives and renews the human heart
And here with you we're satisfied
Finding contentment and fullness in being in the presence of God
You reign over all the earth
Affirming God's sovereignty and rule over all creation
Lyrics © MUSIC SERVICES, INC.
Written by: PHILIP DAVID WICKHAM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Teja
Your mercy falls with the rain
Your powers displayed in the wild ocean
Your presence will always remain
Jesus your love reaches to the heavens
You are God, high above the Earth
Angels sing for You
Mountains melt at the sound of Your name
Oceans roar for You
All of creation gives You praise
You are God, high above the Earth
You are God
Jesus You’re all that I need
Here is my life come and take it from me
Jesus You make me complete
With You at my side I can know no boundaries
You are God, high above the earth
Angels sing for You
Mountains melt at the sound of Your name
Oceans roar for You
All of creation gives You praise
You are God, high above the Earth
High above the Earth
So high above me, high above me
Oh the angels sing for You
The mountains melt at the sound of Your name
The oceans roar for You
And all of creation gives You praise
The angels sing for You
The mountains melt at the sound of Your name
The oceans roar for You
And all of creation gives You praise
You are God
High above the Earth
You are God, high above the Earth
Halleluiah, Halleluiah
ba55letmysoulfly
This is Phil’s best album! SO good! Why in the world it’s not on Spotify is beyond me and so sad that more people don’t know about it. This song is so beautiful!
Ruth Sherlock
I agree! It comes to mind often! I’m reading Psalm 97 right now so it’s especially there!
Jennifer George
Totally don’t understand why this song is not more widely available. Phil should re-release this album!
Matthew Woo
Such a hard song to find, but it really is a worshipful song :)
FishingNinja
F
Teja
Your mercy falls with the rain
Your powers displayed in the wild ocean
Your presence will always remain
Jesus your love reaches to the heavens
You are God, high above the Earth
Angels sing for You
Mountains melt at the sound of Your name
Oceans roar for You
All of creation gives You praise
You are God, high above the Earth
You are God
Jesus You’re all that I need
Here is my life come and take it from me
Jesus You make me complete
With You at my side I can know no boundaries
You are God, high above the earth
Angels sing for You
Mountains melt at the sound of Your name
Oceans roar for You
All of creation gives You praise
You are God, high above the Earth
High above the Earth
So high above me, high above me
Oh the angels sing for You
The mountains melt at the sound of Your name
The oceans roar for You
And all of creation gives You praise
The angels sing for You
The mountains melt at the sound of Your name
The oceans roar for You
And all of creation gives You praise
You are God
High above the Earth
You are God, high above the Earth
Halleluiah, Halleluiah
Mlz7877
this puts my heart at peace! :) thank you God.........
CorvetteZ06Nezumi
Everytime I hear this song I cry... I wish there was a way to explane this feeling I have when I hear this song, also i wish words could say how wonderful this song is. Thank you. *about to cry*
Mary Smith
For anyone who is wondering...this 'is' Phil Wickham. It's on his 'indie' album entitled 'Give You My World' (currently out of print). He wrote the songs during his teen years and recorded it when he was 18 years old. This album is what really drew the attention of the various record labels. It was/is an amazing album.
Gary Pecoraro
Magnificent!! Phil your growing on me thank you for the beautiful songs, thank you writer, may God Bless you and your work, 👍👍👍👍❤👍👍👍keep it up, so far I've heard at least 3 that should be hits ! And not just christain music, but talk to the fallen world, God Bless , your brother in christ!!