Let Everything That Has Breath

Song Meaning

This anthem is a direct, unadorned call to worship, centered on the imperative for all living things to praise the Lord. The lyrics establish a broad, inclusive scope, starting with "everything that has breath" and extending to "every instrument." This creates an immediate sense of universal participation in adoration, setting a tone of grand, unified reverence from the outset. The core tension lies in the transition from a general command to a personal declaration of faith. The narrator moves from observing the collective act of praise to actively participating, stating, "I will open up my mouth / And He will fill it with praise." This shift highlights the individual's response to the divine, suggesting that the universal call to worship finds its expression through personal devotion and vocalization. The lyrical craft emphasizes repetition and sonic imagery to build its message. The repeated phrase "Praise the Lord" acts as a grounding refrain, reinforcing the central theme. The inclusion of specific instruments like "high sounding cymbals / And trumpets of brass" and the concept of "the sound of one accord" paint a vivid auditory picture of communal worship, emphasizing harmony and collective expression. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their straightforward, declarative nature and their focus on the transformative power of praise. The idea that God puts "a new song in my heart" and that this song brings rejoicing to others underscores the contagious and uplifting quality of this divine-inspired worship. It's a message that resonates through its simplicity and its powerful evocation of shared spiritual experience.