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The Unseen Power: 7 Profound Truths Hidden In The 'Above All' Music Lyrics That Still Resonate Today

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Few worship songs have achieved the enduring, global resonance of "Above All," a powerful anthem whose lyrics transcend generations and denominations. Originally penned by the songwriting duo Paul Baloche and Lenny LeBlanc, the song gained massive international recognition through Michael W. Smith’s iconic 2001 album, *Worship*. As of late 2025, the song continues to be a cornerstone of Christian worship, with Michael W. Smith even releasing new live versions in 2024 and featuring it on his 2025 tour setlists, proving its message of Christ's preeminence is as vital and relevant today as it was two decades ago. This deep dive explores the profound truths embedded within the lyrics of this timeless classic.

The Creators and Context: A Biographical Overview

The enduring power of "Above All" is rooted in the collaborative genius of its creators and the artist who propelled it to fame. Understanding their background offers crucial context to the song's spiritual depth.
  • Songwriters: Paul Baloche & Lenny LeBlanc
    • Paul Baloche: Born June 4, 1962. An American Christian music artist, worship leader, and songwriter. Known for writing popular worship songs like "Open the Eyes of My Heart" and "Hosanna." He first released "Above All" on his 2000 album, *Open the Eyes of My Heart*.
    • Lenny LeBlanc: Born June 26, 1951. An American singer and songwriter, initially finding success in the secular music world before transitioning to Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). He is known for the 1970s hit "Falling" and his extensive work in the worship genre, including his own version of "Above All."
  • Primary Performer: Michael W. Smith
    • Michael Whitaker Smith: Born October 7, 1957. A highly influential American musician, songwriter, and worship leader. He has charted in both contemporary Christian and mainstream charts, earning three Grammy Awards and 45 Dove Awards. His 2001 album, *Worship*, which featured his rendition of "Above All," became a multi-platinum success and cemented the song's status as a global worship anthem.
    • Key Album: *Worship* (2001, Reunion Records). This album was a pivotal release, shifting Smith's focus more toward pure worship music and becoming one of the best-selling Christian albums of all time.
    • Recent Activity: Smith continues to perform "Above All" live, with a new live recording released in 2024 and the song frequently appearing on his tour setlists in 2025, confirming its status as a permanent fixture in his discography.

The 7 Profound Truths Embedded in the Lyrics of 'Above All'

The lyrics of "Above All" are a masterful theological statement, meticulously crafted to declare the absolute preeminence of Jesus Christ. The song uses a powerful listicle structure to build its central argument, culminating in a deeply personal reflection on Christ's sacrifice.

1. Above All Powers, Kings, and Created Things

The opening lines immediately establish a cosmic hierarchy where Christ sits at the apex.

"Above all powers, above all kings,
Above all nature and all created things,
Above all wisdom and all the ways of man,
You were here before the world began."

This verse is a direct declaration of Christ's sovereignty and eternal nature. It uses powerful, universal entities—powers, kings, nature, wisdom—to illustrate that nothing in the political, natural, or intellectual realm can compare to Him. This theme is deeply rooted in New Testament scripture, particularly the book of Colossians, which speaks of Christ's preeminence over creation and the church. The phrase "You were here before the world began" affirms His deity and role in creation, a foundational concept in Christian theology.

2. The Rejection and Loneliness of the Crucifixion

The chorus shifts the focus from Christ's cosmic power to His earthly humility and ultimate sacrifice.

"Crucified, laid behind a stone,
You lived to die, rejected and alone."

This section highlights the paradox of the Christian faith: the all-powerful God willingly submitting to the ultimate human experience of suffering, rejection, and death. The words crucified, laid behind a stone, and rejected and alone paint a vivid picture of the personal cost of the Atonement. It reminds listeners that Christ’s love was demonstrated not from a distant throne, but in the vulnerability of the cross.

3. Triumph Over Earthly Treasures and Wealth

The second verse continues the thematic list, focusing on the material and temporary glories of the world.

"Above all kingdoms, above all thrones,
Above all wonders the world has ever known,
Above all wealth and treasures of the earth,
There's no way to measure what You're worth."

Entities like kingdoms, thrones, wonders, and wealth and treasures are listed only to be dismissed as secondary to the value of Christ. This section introduces the LSI keyword wealth and contrasts it with the immeasurable worth of Jesus, challenging the listener’s priorities and reinforcing the idea that true value is spiritual, not material.

4. The Unfathomable Act of Love in the Final Lines

The song's most debated and personal line appears in the final moments of the chorus:

"You lived to die, rejected and alone,
Like a rose trampled on the ground,
You took the fall and thought of me above all."

The powerful metaphor of the rose trampled on the ground symbolizes the brutal humiliation and suffering Christ endured. The final phrase, "thought of me above all," has sparked theological discussions since the song's release.

5. The Theological Debate: "Thought of Me Above All"

The song's conclusion is a crucial point of topical authority. While some critics have questioned if the lyric suggests an unbiblical focus on the individual over God's glory, the common and widely accepted interpretation centers on the deeply personal nature of Christ's sacrifice. * Interpretation: The phrase is understood to mean that in the moment of His greatest suffering, Christ's love was so complete that the individual believer was the focus of His redemptive purpose. It emphasizes the personal relationship and the intimacy of His love, not that the believer is literally "above" God's glory. * Intention: Songwriters Paul Baloche and Lenny LeBlanc intended the song to be a pure worship anthem, focusing on the preeminence and Greatness of God (a key entity) and His love for humanity.

6. The Enduring Legacy in Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)

"Above All" is a classic example of Contemporary Christian Music that successfully bridges the gap between traditional hymnody and modern worship. Its simple, singable melody and profound, poetic lyrics have made it a staple in churches worldwide. The song's success paved the way for other worship anthems and helped solidify Michael W. Smith's place as a premier worship leader. Its inclusion in albums like *Worship Forever* (2021) and its constant rotation in live performances demonstrate its lasting cultural impact.

7. The Global Phenomenon and Cover Versions

The song's message has resonated far beyond English-speaking congregations. It has been translated and performed globally, leading to numerous notable cover versions. These different renditions showcase the song's versatility and universal appeal.
  • Clint Curtis: One of the early artists to cover the song.
  • Mass Anthem: Known for their worship cover, often blending it with other hymns.
  • Reggae Version: The existence of a Reggae Cover highlights the song’s ability to transcend musical genres while retaining its core spiritual message.
  • Haven Avenue: Another group that has contributed to the song's extensive cover history.
The continued performance of "Above All" by Michael W. Smith in 2025, alongside its constant presence in worship services, confirms its status not just as a hit song, but as a timeless theological statement. It is a powerful reminder that "above all" the temporary structures and glories of the world, the sacrifice and love of Christ remain the ultimate focus of the Christian faith. The song’s profound simplicity ensures it will continue to uplift and challenge listeners for many years to come.
The Unseen Power: 7 Profound Truths Hidden in the 'Above All' Music Lyrics That Still Resonate Today
above all music lyrics
above all music lyrics

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