“Overcome” is a Great Modern Worship Song

Zac HicksHistory of Worship and Church Music, Worship Resources, Worship Theology & Thought1 Comment

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.
They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”
(Revelation 12:10-11 [NIV])

 

A few weeks ago, I picked up Jeremy Camp’s new worship album, We Cry OutIt’s a conglomeration of original worship songs by Camp alongside other known and less-known worship songs across the modern worship spectrum.  The eighth track is a song I had heard and appreciated but (sadly) forgot about–“Overcome,” by Jon Egan.  The original version appeared in 2007 on Desperation Band’s Everyone Overcome album.  The original version is more musical and moving, in my opinion.

The song is textually “impressionistic” in the sense that it doesn’t necessarily flow in subjects and predicates but with connecting thoughts and phrases.  Many times, such songs are too loose, but this one works, and it works beautifully.  It revels in the beauty and victory of Christ the King.  It also tips a hat to the gospel as the primary vehicle of change, growth, and “overcoming” in one’s life.  We will probably sing this song heavily in both the Lenten season and Eastertide in 2011.

Seated above, enthroned in the Father’s love
Destined to die, poured out for all mankind

God’s only Son, perfect and spotless one
He never sinned, but suffered as if He did
     All authority, every victory, is Yours

Savior, worthy of honor and glory,
Worthy of all our praise, You overcame
Jesus, awesome in power forever,
Awesome and great is Your name, You overcame

Power in hand, speaking the Father’s plan
You’re sending us out, light in this broken land
     All authority, every victory, is Yours

We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb
and the word of our testimony, everyone overcome

Written by Jon Egan
©2007 Vertical Worship Songs (ASCAP)

One Comment on ““Overcome” is a Great Modern Worship Song”

  1. Personally one of my favorites. Not only is the content great, but the testimonies recorded at the end take it over the top. I haven't ever used the song in corporate worship, but you have tempted me to reconsider. These guys that make up Desperation Band challenged me through their Everyone Overcome project to lead more with Scripture (listen to their use of Isaiah 6:1-6 at the end of I Will Go), passion, and testimony from the body of Christ.

    I am encouraged and edified by your blog. Keep it up. Thanks.

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