Goodness Of God: Lyrics And Chords For Worship
Hey guys! Ever wanted to learn how to play and sing "Goodness of God"? This incredibly popular worship song is a powerful declaration of faith and gratitude. Whether you're leading worship, playing with friends, or simply want to learn it for your personal devotion, having the lyrics and chords handy is super useful. Let's dive right in!
Understanding the Song's Impact
"Goodness of God" has become a staple in churches around the world, and for good reason. Its simple yet profound lyrics resonate deeply with believers who have experienced God's faithfulness. The song's structure is relatively straightforward, making it accessible for musicians of varying skill levels. The chord progressions are also fairly common in contemporary worship music, which means that if you're familiar with other popular worship songs, you'll likely pick up "Goodness of God" pretty quickly. The chorus is particularly powerful, serving as a declarative statement of God's unwavering goodness in our lives. The bridge builds on this theme, emphasizing the consistent and unchanging nature of His love. Ultimately, the song is a reminder of God's presence and provision, encouraging us to trust in His goodness even in the midst of challenging circumstances. Its message is universal, transcending denominational lines and cultural differences, uniting believers in a shared experience of worship and adoration. Learning this song isn't just about mastering the notes and words; it's about internalizing its message and allowing it to shape your perspective on life and faith. It’s about connecting with the heart of worship and expressing your gratitude to God in a meaningful way. By understanding the impact of "Goodness of God," you can approach it with a deeper sense of purpose and intention, allowing the song to minister to your own heart as well as to those you lead in worship. Plus, knowing the song's background can add depth to your performance and help you communicate its message more effectively.
"Goodness of God" Lyrics
Okay, let's get to the heart of it: the lyrics! Knowing the words by heart makes playing and singing so much easier and more meaningful. Here’s the full lyrics for "Goodness of God", broken down by section to help you learn it:
Verse 1: I love You, Lord Oh Your mercy never fails me All my days, I've been held in Your hands
Verse 2: From the moment that I wake up Until I lay my head Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
Chorus: And all my life You have been faithful And all my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
Verse 3: I love Your voice You have led me through the fire And all my days I've been held in Your hands
Verse 4: From my waking moment 'til I lay my head Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
Chorus: And all my life You have been faithful And all my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
Bridge: Your goodness is running after, it's running after me Your goodness is running after, it's running after me With my life laid down, I'm surrendered now I give You everything Your goodness is running after, it's running after me
Chorus: And all my life You have been faithful And all my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
Outro: Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
Chord Progression
Now, let's look at the chords! The chord progression for "Goodness of God" is relatively simple, which is part of what makes it so popular and accessible. Here’s a basic chord chart to get you started. Keep in mind that the exact chords and key can vary slightly depending on the version you're playing, but this will give you a solid foundation. Typically, the song is played in the key of E. Understanding the underlying chords and their relationships is crucial for mastering any song. In "Goodness of God," the chord progression is built around a few key chords that create a sense of both stability and movement. The use of major and minor chords adds depth and emotion to the song, while the transitions between chords create a sense of musical storytelling. By analyzing the chord progression, you can gain a deeper understanding of the song's structure and how it conveys its message. This knowledge can also help you to improvise variations, create harmonies, and adapt the song to different musical styles. Moreover, understanding the chords allows you to play the song in different keys, which can be useful when accompanying vocalists with different ranges. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, taking the time to study the chord progression of "Goodness of God" will undoubtedly enhance your musical skills and deepen your appreciation for the song's artistry. It's like unlocking a secret code that reveals the inner workings of the music, allowing you to connect with it on a more profound level.
- Verse: E, B, C#m, A
- Chorus: E, B, C#m, A
- Bridge: A, B, E, C#m
Tips for Playing the Chords:
- Practice transitions: Smooth transitions between chords are key. Practice moving between the chords slowly at first, and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. This will help you maintain a consistent rhythm and avoid choppy chord changes.
- Use a capo: If the key of E is too high for your vocal range, use a capo to transpose the song to a lower key. Experiment with different capo positions to find the key that suits your voice best.
- Listen to the original: Pay close attention to the original recording to get a feel for the rhythm and dynamics of the song. This will help you to play the chords in a way that is faithful to the original arrangement.
- Experiment with strumming patterns: There are many different strumming patterns that you can use to play "Goodness of God." Experiment with different patterns to find the one that sounds best to you. A simple down-down-up-up-down-up pattern works well for most of the song.
Putting It All Together
Alright, you've got the lyrics, you've got the chords. Now it's time to put it all together! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you learn and perform "Goodness of God" effectively. Singing and playing simultaneously can be challenging at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. One effective approach is to start by mastering the chord progression on its own. Practice transitioning between the chords smoothly and consistently until you can do it without thinking. Once you're comfortable with the chords, start humming the melody while you play. This will help you internalize the relationship between the chords and the melody. Next, try singing the lyrics along with the chords. Focus on coordinating your voice with your strumming or picking pattern. If you find it difficult to sing and play at the same time, try simplifying the strumming pattern or breaking the song down into smaller sections. Practice each section separately until you can play and sing it smoothly, then gradually piece the sections together. Don't be afraid to make mistakes – they're a natural part of the learning process. The key is to be patient, persistent, and to enjoy the process of making music. Remember to listen to the original recording of "Goodness of God" to get a feel for the rhythm, dynamics, and phrasing of the song. This will help you to develop your own interpretation of the song while remaining true to its original spirit. With consistent practice and a positive attitude, you'll be able to play and sing "Goodness of God" with confidence and skill, leading others in worship and expressing your own gratitude to God.
- Start Slow: Don't rush! Begin by practicing the chord changes at a slow tempo. Focus on clean, accurate transitions between chords.
- Sing the Melody: As you play the chords, sing the melody along with it. This helps you internalize the song's structure and timing.
- Add Strumming: Once you're comfortable with the chords and melody, introduce a simple strumming pattern. A basic down-down-up-up-down-up pattern works well.
- Break It Down: If you're struggling with a particular section, break it down into smaller chunks. Practice each chunk until you can play it smoothly, then gradually piece them back together.
- Record Yourself: Recording yourself playing and singing can be a great way to identify areas for improvement. Listen back critically and make adjustments as needed.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key. Set aside some time each day or week to work on the song, and you'll see steady progress over time.
Tips for Worship Leaders
If you're planning to lead "Goodness of God" in a worship setting, here are a few extra tips to consider. As a worship leader, your role is not just to perform the song but to create an atmosphere of worship and to guide the congregation in connecting with God. This requires careful preparation, sensitivity to the needs of the congregation, and a genuine heart of worship. Before leading the song, take some time to reflect on its message and to pray for God's guidance. Consider sharing a brief testimony or scripture reading that relates to the themes of the song. This can help to set the tone and to prepare people's hearts to worship. During the song, be mindful of your body language and facial expressions. Smile, make eye contact with the congregation, and express genuine emotion. This will help to create a sense of connection and to draw people into the worship experience. Also, pay attention to the dynamics of the song. Build the intensity gradually, allowing the song to peak at the chorus and bridge. This will help to create a sense of anticipation and excitement. Be flexible and adaptable, and don't be afraid to deviate from the original arrangement if it serves the needs of the congregation. Most importantly, remember that worship is not about you – it's about God. Approach your role with humility and a servant's heart, and trust that God will use you to bless and encourage others.
- Know Your Audience: Be mindful of your congregation's musical preferences and skill levels. Adapt the arrangement to suit their needs.
- Set the Tone: Share a brief testimony or scripture reading that relates to the themes of the song.
- Encourage Participation: Invite the congregation to sing along, clap their hands, or raise their voices in worship.
- Be Authentic: Worship from the heart, and let your passion for God shine through.
- Listen to the Spirit: Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and don't be afraid to deviate from your planned setlist if you feel led to do so.
Final Thoughts
Learning "Goodness of God" is a rewarding experience. Not only will you add a beautiful song to your repertoire, but you'll also deepen your understanding of worship and your connection with God. So grab your guitar, warm up your voice, and get ready to sing about the goodness of God! You got this!