We Love Awards, RESOURCES Under this assumption, the lyrics are biblical. Wow. I believe the lyrics link that youve put up isnt the entire song but just the chorus. ), a proper name (e.g. V2: I am not sure what Michael W. Smiths producer saw in this song, but apparently, he saw something different than I do. Hymns is Smith's first effort at doing his own rendition of traditional hymns, and it was released exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store on March 24, 2014. Among those gifted creatives are Meredith Mauldin, who leads UPPERROOM's songwriting efforts, and Elyssa Smith, who leads worship at the church's second location, UPPERROOM Denver. Elyssa Smith is a worshipper and songwriter. She was born and raised in Borger, Texas and moved to Dallas in 2010 to attend Christ for the Nations Institute. She is best known for writing, Surrounded (Fight my Battles). Meredith Mauldin)" from Center of Your Love EP, "Open the Scroll (Spontaneous)" from Moments: Design 004 EP, "Pour My Love On You" from Moments: Near 007 EP, "Something Always Changes (Spontaneous)" from Moments: Design 004 EP, "Surrounded (Fight My Battles) (feat. Go figure. I understand that the repitition may be annoying to some, but for me, its like Im reprogramming my brain, forcing it to praise God instead of following the negative thoughts, trusting Him and His plan for me, that He will be with me through everything, that Im not alone. Also thank for trying to be neutral. document.write ('&cb=' + m3_r); To me, [Verse] Chorus: However, the lyrics arent clear without examining UPPERROOMs history. I gave section 4 a 10/10, so Im not sure how the versus comments were not taken into consideration at least not fully in the context of Gods glorification. ; cross, miracles, great flood, judging the living and the dead, etc.). Interlude. It seems there a bit of confusion in the comments about the story of this song and UPPERROOM did a song story video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBN6mrptAWk) that explains the very spontaneous journey of the initial song, including the initial version thats the subject of review here. Thank you for your comment! You gave this one a horrible grade even though they are basically the same. '&charset='+document.characterSet : '')); In my opinion, this sounds like a song that was written in a rush to fill out an album. Lyricist: Elyssa Smith. Raise a Hallelujah is much clearer, stating in Spontaneous, Everything to You, Jesus. Also, I never said they arent Scriptural! [3], Smith is a three-time Grammy Award winner, an American Music Award recipient,[4] and has earned 45 Dove Awards. It may look like I'm surrounded, but I'm surrounded by You." Itd be fine if it were 90 seconds, but NO we have to drag it out for 5+ minutes. It was a powerful declaration of reliance on God. Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below. THIS equals PRAISE. 1 Album, Michael Jackson Debuts at No. God bless. This includesLive from Upper Room (2016), Moments (2018), Moments II (2018), and Moments Color 003 (2019). And surely Your goodness and Your mercy follow me; However, I still hope it gave you something worth thinking about. God is good. His album popularized her song and catapulted UPPERROOMinto the spotlight, leading to their first full-length albumTo The One, released on February 22, 2019. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them. And Elisha prayed, Open his eyes, Lord , so that he may see. Then the Lord opened the servants eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. Even when all seems lost. I guess weve been doing the live version? https://genius.com/Upperroom-surrounded-fight-my-battles-live-lyrics 10 on the Billboard 200, making it the highest-charting album in his career as of 2014. Worship comes from the heart.. and sometimes one simple phrase gives you such revelation.. thats all you can say. If churches want to use this song to worship God, thats their choice. Third, I cant speak for other people, but I examine things contextually, not literally. 1 on the Radio & Records Charts and a music video for the song was released. Elyssa Smith, who wrote Surrounded (Fight My Battles), leads worship at their Denver location. First of all, it begins by stating this is how I fight my battles but does not go deeper into how explicitly that is done. An interesting choice for a section name! His dad worked in an oil refinery and his mom was a caterer and church secretary. Catch Me opens the album with a wrestling of faith: Im learning that risk feels like mistakes / but isnt that called faith? [41], On February 22, 2019, Smith released Awaken: The Surrounded Experience, a live worship album. Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site! It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album. March 16, 2018 1 Song, 5 minutes 2018 UPPERROOM. You can analyze it until the cows come home but there is no denying there is anointing here and somebody can relate! Thank you for your honest comment; However, Im confused and distressed by your post. [7] He also has recorded 31 No. Originally, when I received this request, it came to me under the artist Michael W. Smith. Some of the comments here also suggest ratings based on professional music viewpoint. WebAlyssa Julya Smith. Theres a table that Youve prepared for me, The Amazon link is closer to 5. In November 2015, Smith and Amy Grant started their annual Christmas tour again after a roughly 15-year break.[30]. This is how I fight my battles. In 2015, Smith starred as Cliff McArdle in the film adaptation of the best-selling book 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper. [29] It also won a 2015 Dove Award for "Christmas Album of the Year". Singer to Fulfill Prophecy Over Nashville", "Michael W. Smith Discography, Michael W. Smith Artist Database | Jesusfreakhideout.com", "Michael W. Smith: Worship Forever | Amy Grant, Tauren Wells, and Matt Redman | FULL CONCERT | TBN", "Michael W. Smith Coming to a Theater Near You", "Michael W. Smith Moved to Tears on FOX's The Passion Set", "Michael W. Smith Leads "Just As I Am" During Rev. Repetition is poweful! 03/27/2020 Upon further reflection and prayer, I decided that repetition does not impact an unbelievers interpretation or the lyrics inherent glorification of God. '&charset='+document.charset : (document.characterSet ? Smith's second instrumental album, Glory, was released on November 22, 2011. When we think we are surrounded by devils, evil, negativity, fear, etc, we are truly surrounded more-so by the Holy Spirit as Christians. The following year, Smith released his first all-worship music album, Worship, on September 11. Tours Just let go and give in to how You lead. WebView the profiles of people named Elyssa Smith. Music Studies Net Worth: USD $1 million Approx. And my two mites on the repetition issue: many folks reaction to it is similar to the first experience of most white folks going to most black churches. lyrics. The chief difference is clarity. On another note, I can see how non believers or new believers might not understand this song. ", . Yep the repetitive I agree with you- did they even put effort into writing this song?!?! Artist. Abbie Simmons]" from Moments EP, "Desirable (Live)" from Maranatha 2 (Live), "Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble" from Moments II, "Faith and Wonder (feat. God bless Elyssa Smith and UPPERROOM. You make a lot of good points about the power of repetition and how it is useful for meditation and reflection; However, I still find it annoying. [19] The Mayor of Draper and several city council members were present at the event and were recognized for their support. I didnt need complex theological words, my mind needed to be reminded to be a posture of praise, repeatedly. if (document.context) document.write ("&context=" + escape(document.context)); Read Full Biography Overview Biography Discography Songs Credits Awards Related Song Highlights Highlights All Songs However, I examine song lyrics in isolation because they are usually written that way. Dont be shy or have a cow! Once believers reach that level of encountering God in worship, songs like this make waves in glory. Thanks for your comments! I am grateful to the Berean Test for the hard work of ensuring truth is part of the songs we sing. (its still way too repetitive, but, at least it makes sense.). Smith also starred as James the disciple in The Passion, a live musical film that was aired on FOX on March 20, 2016.[45]. Every time I'd wake up I knew: This isn't me. We Love Awards, RESOURCES Coming from a prolific season of spontaneous worship myself, I would say the critique should fall on those who took the song from that moment and packaged it. I am glad you think that my site is much needed. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. And even though the song has repetitive lines its still a powerful song which can be used in worship. Imagine if somebody took every single verse of the BIble literally; you know how many hands and eyes would be cut off and gouged if they never looked at the context? I understand what you mean! This album was followed by a sequel, Worship Again in 2002. Maybe they are hearing but not listening to it. The Lord promised the Israelites the promise land, led them to it and told them to take it. Joel Figuer)" from To The One, "I Want To Know You" from Moments: Near 007 EP, "Jesus, Come Be the Center (feat. Just stumbled upon this site and I guess Im confused as to why theres a need to be so critical about worship songs. In my opinion, this is a more creative way of repeating an idea than relying on word-for-word refrains. You Hold It All Together. Maybe that connection is what draws me to the song, and I readily admit my positive bias in that regard. Section 2 received 8/10, which only lost points because the lyrics are vague outside of assuming its about God/Jesus/etc. Multiple Grammy Award-winning Michael W. Smith heard the song after his producer discovered it on YouTube and decided to record it as the title track for This song is highly confusing to unbelievers. I recalled conversations with church members about some of the songs we play and how repetitious they were. In this particular case, I think you continue to be caught in the trap of genre and style. Michael W. Smith is an American musician. Michael is married for over 40 years and a father of five. Michael W. Smith is married to Deborah Kay Davis. They have been married for 35 years since 5rd Sep 1981. They have five children: Ryan Smith, Whitney Katherine Smith-Mooring, Tyler Michael, Anna Elizabeth, and Emily Allison. Over the course of his career, he has sold more than 18 million albums. document.write (document.charset ? On June 21, 2016, Smith released a new single titled "He Will Never End" which was originally released in March 2016 as a bonus track on the Target exclusive edition of The Passion: New Orleans soundtrack CD (2016). Father: Not Known. Thank you lost! That video inspired Michael W. Smiths producer, and is why theres no verse on his version either. He was born to parents Barbara Smith as his mother and oil refinery specialist father Paul Smith. It is very underrated in my opinion. He also released his first children's album, Lullaby, to accompany the book. var m3_u = (location.protocol=='https:'? There is little point analyzing them. Unlike his first instrumental album, Freedom (2000), this album features a 65-piece orchestra at [52][53] Smith was invited to play at the 2004 Republican National Convention[54] singing "There She Stands",[citation needed] as well as the state funeral of George H. W. Bush at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, on December 5, 2018, singing "Friends". If you know your Bible scriptures, your spirit will resonate with its words and music. document.write ("