“What a Beautiful Name” is a renowned worship song by Hillsong Worship, written by Ben Fielding and Brooke Ligertwood. Featured in the album Let There Be Light, it celebrates the glory of Jesus’ name, making it a powerful resource for worship. The song’s profound lyrics and uplifting melody have made it a global favorite, available as PDF lyrics and sheet music for worshippers worldwide.
Overview of the Song’s Popularity and Significance
“What a Beautiful Name” has become a cornerstone of contemporary Christian worship, resonating globally with its powerful message. The song, written by Ben Fielding and Brooke Ligertwood, won the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song, solidifying its impact. Its lyrical depth and uplifting melody have made it a favorite in churches worldwide, transcending cultural boundaries. The song’s themes of Jesus’ divinity and redemptive love have inspired millions, making it a timeless anthem in worship communities. Its widespread adoption and acclaim highlight its enduring significance in modern Christian music.
Background and Inspiration Behind the Song
Written by Ben Fielding and Brooke Ligertwood, the song stems from theological reflections on Jesus as the Word and Creator, featured in Hillsong Worship’s album Let There Be Light.
Writers and Their Vision for the Lyrics
The song was written by Ben Fielding and Brooke Ligertwood, who aimed to highlight the divine nature of Jesus’ name. Drawing from biblical themes, they crafted lyrics that reflect Jesus as the Word and Creator. The vision was to create a worshipful anthem that glorifies God, emphasizing the beauty and power of Jesus’ name. The writers focused on theological depth, blending creation and redemption narratives. Their work resulted in a song that resonates deeply with worshippers globally, making it a cornerstone of modern Christian music. The PDF lyrics capture this vision, offering a resource for personal and communal worship.
The Role of Hillsong Worship in Creating the Song
Hillsong Worship played a crucial role in popularizing “What a Beautiful Name,” bringing the song to life through their powerful performances and productions. As part of Hillsong Church, they ensured the track’s emotional and theological depth resonated with a global audience. Their expertise in blending worshipful melodies with congregational-friendly arrangements made the song a staple in churches worldwide. Additionally, Hillsong Worship provided accessible resources, including PDF lyrics and sheet music, enabling worshippers to engage deeply with the song’s message. Their efforts solidified the song’s place in modern Christian music and worship culture.
Lyrics Breakdown and Structure
The song’s lyrics are structured into verses, a powerful chorus, and emotive bridges, each highlighting different aspects of Jesus’ nature and glory, creating a cohesive and meaningful worship experience.
Verse 1: The Word at the Beginning
Verse 1 establishes Jesus as the eternal Word, present with God from the beginning. It highlights His divine nature as “One with God the Lord Most High” and reveals how His hidden glory in creation is now manifested through Him. This verse sets the theological foundation, emphasizing Jesus’ role as both the Creator and the revelation of God’s glory. The lyrics seamlessly weave together biblical truths, creating a profound worship experience. The verse’s structure and imagery draw worshippers into the splendor of Jesus’ identity, making it a cornerstone of the song’s message. Its depth resonates deeply with believers worldwide.
Chorus: The Beauty of Jesus’ Name
The chorus of “What a Beautiful Name” is a powerful declaration of the splendor of Jesus’ name. Repeating the phrase “What a beautiful Name it is,” the chorus emphasizes the uniqueness and glory of Jesus Christ. It proclaims Him as the King, surpassing all earthly comparisons. The lyrics highlight the Name of Jesus as incomparable, resonating deeply with worshippers. This section serves as the emotional and theological peak of the song, inviting believers to marvel at the majesty of Jesus. Its simplicity and depth make it a unifying anthem for global worship, glorifying Jesus’ name above all else.
Verse 2: God’s Plan and Revelation
Verse 2 of “What a Beautiful Name” delves into God’s eternal plan and the revelation of His love through Jesus. It highlights how Jesus, the Word, became flesh to reveal God’s glory. The lyrics emphasize God’s desire to share His heaven with humanity, showcasing His heart of love. This verse underscores the profound truth of Jesus’ sacrifice and the revelation of God’s character. It invites worshippers to reflect on the depth of God’s plan and the beauty of His revelation through Jesus Christ, the King who reigns forever.
Musical Composition and Arrangement
The song is written in the key of D with a tempo of 68 BPM and 4/4 time. Its uplifting melody and harmonious arrangement create a worshipful atmosphere.
Key and Tempo for Worship
The song is composed in the key of D, with a moderate tempo of 68 beats per minute (BPM) in 4/4 time. This arrangement creates a steady, uplifting rhythm that supports congregational singing. The key of D is particularly suitable for worship as it falls within a comfortable vocal range, allowing both lead vocalists and congregants to sing with ease and passion. The tempo is neither too fast nor too slow, fostering an atmosphere of reflection and celebration, making it ideal for collective worship experiences and personal devotion.
Instruments and Melody in Performances
The song features a harmonious blend of acoustic guitar, piano, and strings, creating a serene yet powerful melody. The tempo and key provide a steady foundation for vocals, while drums and bass add dynamic energy. In live performances, orchestral elements like strings and brass enhance the emotional impact. Hillsong Worship’s arrangements often include layered harmonies, elevating the song’s anthemic quality. This instrumentation supports both intimate and grand worship settings, making the melody accessible and engaging for diverse audiences while maintaining the song’s heartfelt and reverent tone.
Spiritual and Theological Themes
The song emphasizes Jesus as the Word and Creator, revealing God’s glory through creation. It highlights His divine nature and the revelation of His name, proclaiming His majesty.
Jesus as the Word and Creator
The lyrics affirm Jesus as the eternal Word, present at creation, inseparable from God. This theme reflects John 1:1, where Jesus is the Word, embodying divine authority. The song highlights His role in revealing God’s hidden glory through creation, as stated in the verse, “Your hidden glory in creation, now revealed in You our Christ.” This theological foundation underscores Jesus’ divine nature and His central role in both creation and redemption, making His name a powerful symbol of worship and praise. The song thus bridges theology with worship, celebrating Jesus’ eternal and creative essence.
Glory and Majesty in Worship
The song “What a Beautiful Name” emphasizes the glory and majesty of Jesus, highlighting His divine reign and the awe-inspiring wonder of His name. The lyrics celebrate how Jesus’ name surpasses all others, reflecting His sovereign power and eternal splendor. The chorus proclaims, “What a beautiful Name it is,” underscoring the majesty of Jesus Christ as King. This theme is further reinforced in the bridge, where His unrivaled power and glory are celebrated, making the song a powerful expression of worship and adoration. The lyrics inspire believers to reverence and praise, aligning with the biblical truth of Jesus’ exalted name.
Impact and Recognition
“What a Beautiful Name” won the 2018 Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song, solidifying its global influence. Its powerful message and melody have resonated worldwide, making it a cherished worship anthem and a testament to the enduring legacy of Hillsong Worship’s ministry.
Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Song
In 2018, “What a Beautiful Name” earned Hillsong Worship their first Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song. This prestigious recognition highlighted the song’s profound impact and artistic excellence. Written by Ben Fielding and Brooke Ligertwood, the track resonated globally, becoming a cornerstone of modern worship music. Its victory underscored the song’s ability to inspire and unify believers worldwide, cementing its legacy as a timeless anthem of faith. The award also marked a milestone for Hillsong Worship, further solidifying their influence in the Christian music landscape.
Global Reach and Church Adoption
“What a Beautiful Name” has become a global anthem, resonating with worshippers across cultures and denominations. Its universal message of Jesus’ glory has led to widespread adoption in churches worldwide. The song’s simplicity and profound lyrics make it accessible for congregational worship, while its depth inspires personal devotion. Translations and adaptations in various languages have further expanded its reach, uniting believers globally in praise. This anthem has become a staple in worship services, retreats, and gatherings, fostering a sense of unity and shared faith among millions. Its impact continues to grow, touching hearts and transforming lives worldwide.
Additional Resources and Media
The song offers various resources, including PDF lyrics and sheet music for download. Official music videos and live performances are also available, enhancing worship experiences globally.
PDF Lyrics and Sheet Music Availability
The lyrics and sheet music for “What a Beautiful Name” are widely available in PDF format, enabling worshippers and musicians to access the song easily. These resources include detailed arrangements for various instruments, making it ideal for church bands and choirs. The sheet music is provided in the key of D with a tempo of 68 BPM, ensuring consistency in performances. Websites like PraiseCharts.com offer downloadable versions, while official Hillsong Worship platforms also distribute these materials. This accessibility has made the song a staple in worship services worldwide, fostering unity and praising Jesus’ name.
Official Music Videos and Live Performances
Hillsong Worship has released several official music videos and live performances of “What a Beautiful Name,” showcasing its powerful worship experience. These videos, available on platforms like YouTube and the church’s website, feature stunning visuals and heartfelt renditions. Notable performances include a live recording at the Sydney Entertainment Centre and an acoustic version by Hillsong Chapel. The song’s emotional depth and uplifting melody are beautifully captured in these videos, making them a popular choice for personal worship and church services. They complement the album Let There Be Light and highlight the song’s global impact, including its Grammy-winning recognition.
Educational and Ministerial Use
The song has inspired a children’s book and worship leader resources, providing tools for teaching and ministering. These resources help spread the song’s theological depth and worshipful message.
Children’s Book Inspired by the Song
A children’s book titled What a Beautiful Name has been created by Hillsong Worship leaders, inspired by the song’s themes. The book shares the story of Jesus’ love and glory, making it a valuable tool for teaching children about faith. With vibrant illustrations and simple language, it helps kids understand the significance of Jesus’ name. The book complements the song’s message, offering a way to engage young hearts in worship and biblical truths, while also being a helpful resource for families and churches.
Worship Leader Resources and Guides
Worship leaders can access comprehensive resources for “What a Beautiful Name,” including chord charts, sheet music, and guides. These tools, available in PDF formats, provide detailed arrangements for keys, tempos, and instrumentation. The song is typically played in the key of D with a moderate tempo, making it accessible for congregational worship. Additional guides offer insights into the song’s theological depth, helping leaders plan meaningful worship sessions. These resources enable leaders to effectively integrate the song into services, ensuring a powerful and spirit-filled experience for the congregation.