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5 Deepest Secrets Behind Hillsong’s ‘Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)’ Lyrics And Its Billion-Stream Legacy

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Few worship songs have achieved the global phenomenon status of Hillsong UNITED's "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)." As of this update in late December 2025, the song continues to resonate deeply across the world, not just as a piece of music, but as a profound call to radical faith and trust. Its powerful, ethereal sound, anchored by the iconic vocals of Taya Smith, and its timeless message, has earned it numerous accolades, including RIAA Platinum status and multiple GMA Dove Awards, cementing its place as one of the most influential worship anthems of the modern era.

Originally released on the 2013 album Zion, the track’s enduring popularity is a testament to the universal human struggle with doubt and the desire for unwavering faith. The lyrics, which draw direct inspiration from the biblical account of Peter walking on water, challenge the listener to step out of the boat and into the "great unknown where feet may fail." This article dives into the complete lyrics, the story behind the three visionary songwriters, and the lasting impact of this spiritual masterpiece.

The Visionary Songwriters: Joel Houston, Matt Crocker, and Salomon Ligthelm

The profound message of "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" was crafted by a trio of distinct creative voices within the Hillsong movement: Joel Houston, Matt Crocker, and Salomon Ligthelm. Their combined talents—from pastoral leadership to filmmaking—created a lyrical depth that transcends typical worship music.

Joel Houston: The Global Creative Director

  • Role: Australian musician, songwriter, pastor, and key leader in Hillsong UNITED. He is also the Global Creative Director for Hillsong Church.
  • Background: Born September 19, 1979, Joel is the son of Hillsong Church founders Brian and Bobbie Houston.
  • Impact: He has been instrumental in shaping the sound and vision of Hillsong UNITED, penning global anthems like "The Stand" and "With Everything." He also played a key role in establishing Hillsong NYC.

Matt Crocker: The Vocalist and Longstanding Member

  • Role: Sydney-based worship leader, songwriter, and a long-standing vocalist for both Hillsong UNITED and Hillsong Worship.
  • Background: Having grown up in Hillsong Church, Crocker spent his teenage years developing his songwriting skills within the youth ministry.
  • Recent Work: While a core part of the collective, Matt Crocker has also stepped out to release solo work, including his album "Interlude," demonstrating his continued artistic evolution.

Salomon Ligthelm: The Filmmaker and Lyrical Contributor

  • Role: Co-writer of "Oceans" and a self-taught filmmaker with a distinctive visual style.
  • Background: The son of missionary parents, Ligthelm’s international upbringing—spanning Johannesburg, Dubai, and Sydney—deeply informs his creative perspective.
  • Unique Perspective: His involvement in the writing process added a unique, metaphorical depth to the lyrics, choosing the vast, intimidating "oceans" as a central metaphor for the unknown, inspired by the biblical account of Peter.

The Lyrical Deep Dive: Unpacking the Meaning of 'Where Feet May Fail'

The power of "Oceans" lies in its masterful use of metaphor, directly referencing the story in Matthew 14:22-33 where the Apostle Peter steps out of the boat to walk on the water toward Jesus. The song is not merely a retelling; it's a prayer of surrender and a declaration of trust in the face of fear and the unknown.

The Core Theme: Stepping Out of the Boat

The opening lines immediately set the scene for radical obedience:

"You call me out upon the waters / The great unknown where feet may fail"

This is the moment of decision—the call to leave the security of the boat (comfort zone, certainty) and venture onto the turbulent waters (life's challenges, uncertainty). The phrase "where feet may fail" acknowledges the terrifying reality of the journey, emphasizing that human ability is insufficient and failure is a real possibility.

Finding You in the Mystery

The verse continues with the concept of finding God not in the safety of the shore, but in the chaos:

"And there I find You in the mystery / In oceans deep, my faith will stand"

This is a powerful theological statement: true faith is forged and found in the midst of the "mystery" and the "oceans deep." It shifts the focus from the fear of the waves to the presence of God in the unpredictable. This concept of surrender is a key LSI keyword that underpins the entire song.

The Iconic Chorus: A Prayer of Unwavering Trust

The chorus, sung by Taya Smith, is the emotional peak of the song and the most quoted section. It is a four-fold prayer of request, surrender, and declaration:

"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders / Let me walk upon the waters / Wherever You would call me / Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander / And my faith will be made stronger / In the presence of my Savior"

The repetition of the word "borders" and the request to go "deeper" signifies a desire for complete, unreserved faith—a trust that is not limited by logic or circumstance. It's a plea for the Holy Spirit to guide them beyond their own limitations and comfort.

The Complete Official Lyrics of 'Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)'

For those seeking to connect with the song's spiritual depth, here are the complete lyrics for "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong UNITED, as featured on the Zion album.

Verse 1
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep, my faith will stand

Chorus
And I will call upon Your Name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Verse 2
Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

Chorus
And I will call upon Your Name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Bridge
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

Chorus
And I will call upon Your Name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Outro
I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine

The Enduring Legacy and Topical Authority

"Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" has cemented its topical authority in the world of contemporary Christian music, becoming one of the most streamed and covered worship songs of the 21st century. Its success is not just commercial; it is a cultural phenomenon that has transcended denominational lines. The song's ability to articulate the raw, vulnerable journey of faith—the fear of the "great unknown" and the ultimate reliance on a higher power—is why it continues to be featured on new worship compilations, even as recently as the "Easter Worship 2024" playlists.

The song’s impact is often attributed to its slow, building intensity and the unique vocal delivery by Taya Smith, which conveys a sense of fragile, yet determined, faith. It has become an unofficial anthem for moments of personal crisis, transition, and renewal, encouraging listeners to embrace the uncertainty of life with spiritual courage. The enduring popularity of "Oceans" proves that the message of radical trust and deep surrender remains universally relevant, regardless of the years that pass since its initial release on the Zion album.

5 Deepest Secrets Behind Hillsong’s ‘Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)’ Lyrics and Its Billion-Stream Legacy
hillsong where feet may fail lyrics
hillsong where feet may fail lyrics

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