Introduction
ONEYEARWARMUSIC – When life throws curveballs, and you’re feeling lost, sometimes a song comes along that speaks directly to your soul. That’s exactly what Don Moen’s “God Will Make a Way” has done for millions of people worldwide since its release in 1990. As a musician, I’ve always been fascinated by how certain songs can transcend time and cultural boundaries. This one’s a perfect example.
Full Lyrics
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way
By a roadway in the wilderness, He'll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and Earth will fade
But His Word will still remain
He will do something new today
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way
Oh, God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a wayThe Story Behind the Song
A Personal Tragedy
Do you know how inspiration can strike at the most unexpected times? Well, for Don Moen, it came during a family tragedy. In 1987, his wife’s sister and her husband were involved in a terrible car accident. Their oldest son was killed instantly, and their other three boys were critically injured. Can you imagine the pain?
Moen, being the supportive brother-in-law, flew out to be with the family. On that long flight, wrestling with grief and searching for words of comfort, the lyrics to “God Will Make a Way” began to form in his mind. It’s crazy how creativity can flow even in our darkest moments, right?
From Personal Comfort to Global Anthem
Initially, Moen had no intention of recording the song. It was just something he wrote to comfort his grieving family. But you know how it goes in the music world – sometimes the most personal songs end up touching the most hearts. Eventually, he decided to record it, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Lyrics Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at the lyrics. I’ll share my thoughts as we go along:
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for meThis opening verse is like a declaration of faith, isn’t it? It’s saying that even when we can’t see a solution, God’s got a plan. As a musician, I love how the simplicity of these lines allows the profound message to shine through.
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a wayHere, the lyrics shift from a general statement to a personal promise. It’s like Moen is reminding himself (and us) that God isn’t just working things out, but He’s right there with us through it all.
By a roadway in the wilderness, He'll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and Earth will fade but His word will still remain
And He will do something new todayThis bridge is packed with biblical imagery. The wilderness and desert references remind me of the Israelites’ journey in Exodus. It’s a powerful way of saying that God can bring hope in the most hopeless situations. And that last line? It’s like a challenge to trust that God is always at work, even when we can’t see it.
Musical Analysis
Now, let’s get a bit technical and talk about the music itself. As a fellow musician, I’m sure you’ll appreciate this!
Key and Chord Progression
The song is in the key of G major, which is often associated with feelings of hope and optimism – perfect for the song’s message, right? Here’s the basic chord progression:
Verse:
G - C - G - D
G - C - G - D
Chorus:
G - C - G - D
Em - C - G - DIt’s a simple I-IV-I-V progression, which is common in gospel and contemporary Christian music. The simplicity of the chord structure allows the lyrics to take center stage while providing a comforting, familiar feel to the listener.
Melody and Arrangement
The melody is memorable and easy to sing along to – a key factor in its widespread appeal. It moves mostly stepwise, with a few small leaps, making it accessible for congregational singing.
The arrangement typically starts with just piano or acoustic guitar, gradually building with the addition of drums, bass, and sometimes strings or a full orchestra. This build-up mirrors the song’s message of hope growing stronger.
Impact and Legacy
Cross-Cultural Appeal
One thing that amazes me about this song is how it’s crossed cultural and language barriers. It’s been translated into numerous languages and is sung in churches around the world. As a musician, that’s the dream, isn’t it? To create something that resonates with people regardless of their background.
The Power of Memorable Lyrics
You know, it’s interesting to think about how people often search for “God Will Make A Way” online. Many times, they might not remember the title or the artist, but they remember a snippet of the lyrics. It’s a common scenario – you’ve got a tune stuck in your head, but you can’t quite place it. That’s where the “find a song name by lyrics” tools come in handy.
These online services have made it easier than ever to identify songs based on just a few remembered words. For “God Will Make A Way,” people might search for phrases like “by a roadway in the wilderness” or “He works in ways we cannot see.” It’s a testament to the power of Moen’s songwriting that these lyrics stick in people’s minds, making the song easy to find even years after they first heard it. As songwriters, we should aim for that kind of lyrical stickiness – lines that resonate so deeply that they become part of people’s mental playlists.
Testimonies of Hope
Over the years, countless people have shared stories of how this song helped them through difficult times. From health crises to financial struggles, “God Will Make A Way” has been a soundtrack of hope for many. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact our music can have on people’s lives.
Use in Worship and Beyond
While it’s a staple in many church worship services, the song has also found its way into other settings. It’s been used in films, TV shows, and even at secular events where a message of hope is needed. That’s the beauty of a well-crafted song – it can transcend its original context.
Don Moen’s Career
Early Years
Don Moen’s journey in music is pretty inspiring. He started out as a college student studying violin performance – can you imagine? But his path led him to become one of the most recognized names in contemporary Christian music.
Work with Integrity Music
Moen’s association with Integrity Music was a game-changer. He became their creative director and produced numerous worship albums. “God Will Make a Way” was just one of many songs he wrote during this period, but it certainly became his most well-known.
Global Influence
What I find really cool about Moen’s career is his global focus. He’s held concerts and worship events all over the world, from Brazil to South Korea. It’s a testament to the universal language of music and the global appeal of his message.
The Song’s Relevance Today
In Times of Global Crisis
You know, with everything that’s been going on in the world lately – pandemics, economic uncertainties, social unrest – songs like “God Will Make a Way” seem more relevant than ever. It’s like a musical antidote to fear and despair.
Personal Application
On a personal level, I think we all go through times when we need to be reminded that there’s hope beyond what we can see. Whether you’re religious or not, the idea that things can get better, that there’s a way forward even when we can’t see it – that’s a powerful message.
Musical Techniques for Aspiring Songwriters
As fellow musicians, I think we can learn a lot from how this song was crafted. Here are a few takeaways:
- Simplicity is key: The straightforward chord progression and melody make the song accessible and memorable.
- Authenticity matters: Moen wrote from a place of personal experience, which gives the song its emotional power.
- Universal themes resonate: While the song is explicitly Christian, its theme of hope in difficult times is universal.
- Build dynamics: The gradual build in the arrangement keeps the listener engaged and emphasizes the message.
Conclusion
“God Will Make a Way” is more than just a song – it’s a testament to the power of music to comfort, inspire, and unite people. As musicians, isn’t that what we’re all striving for? To create something that touches hearts and makes a difference?
Don Moen took a personal moment of pain and turned it into a global anthem of hope. It’s a reminder that our most vulnerable, authentic expressions can often have the most significant impact.
So, the next time you’re working on a song, remember the lessons from “God Will Make a Way.” Keep it simple, write from the heart, and don’t be afraid to tackle those big, universal themes. You never know – your song might be the one that someone needs to hear to get through their darkest day.
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