Lauren Daigle – O’Lord

I was surprised to see Lauran Daigle’s O’Lord on the Billboard top 100 Christian songs given that her album, How Can It Be, was released in 2015.  I have much to learn!

From her own website, she describes this album:

“There’s a continuing theme on this record—trust,” says Daigle. “My heart’s cry is that people feel empowered as a body of Christ. It’s just heavy on my heart for all of us to rise up in unity and recognize the goodness of God. My hope is that people are empowered by knowing who they belong to, knowing that they are the son or daughter of God, and in response to that being able to worship fully, worship with complete abandon.”

That is a noble goal!  However, I will not allow this to influence my objectivity.  On with the review!

Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site!  Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review.

1. What message does the song communicate?

No matter what happens, she “stands her ground” and knows the Lord can make wrongs right.

Even though it does not explicitly mention the name of Jesus or God, there are enough breadcrumbs to think it’s talking about God rather than a boyfriend.

Score: 9/10

2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?

All of it is Scripturally based.  Lyrics posted with permission*.

[Verse 1]

Though at times it seems like I’m coming undone
This walk can often feel lonely

She cries out to the LORD in her distress (Psalm 18:41, Psalm 22:2, Psalm 23:4, and Psalm 30:2).

No matter what until this race is won

This references the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:23-27.  We are to continue running towards God and to live for Him.  There is a similar reference in 2 Timothy 4:7 in which Paul said that he finished the race and kept the faith.

I will stand my ground where hope can be found
I will stand my ground where hope can be found

Indeed, we must stand firm in our faith (1 Corinthians 16:13, 2 Corinthians 1:23-24, Ephesians 6:14-17, Colossians 1:21-23, Hebrews 3:14, and 1 Peter 5:9).

[Verse 2]

Your strength is found at the end of my road

His grace is sufficient in our weakness.  It is in this state where we can find strength in God (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

Your grace it reaches to the hurting

All who are weary and burdened may find rest in Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30).

Still through the tears and the questioning why

Similar to the prayer David (Psalm 13:1-2) and the prophet Habakkuk (Habakkuk 1:2) offered to God in their distress. Also see Scripture for Verse 1, lines 1 and 2.

I will stand my ground where hope can be found
I will stand my ground where hope can be found

Repeat of Verse 1, lines 4 and 5.

[Chorus]

Oh!
O’Lord, O’Lord I know You hear my cry

If we ask, God promises to hear us (1 John 5:14-15).  Also, see Psalm 5:2, Psalm 40:1, Psalm 61:1, Psalm 102:1, and Psalm 143:1.

Your love is lifting me above all the lies

If we humble ourselves, God will exalt us (Psalm 30:1-3, Matthew 23:12, Luke 14:11, James 4:10, and 1 Peter 5:6).

No matter what I face this I know in time
You’ll take all that is wrong and make it right
You’ll take all that is wrong and make it right

Indeed, God can take the worst thing that happens to us and turn it around for good, for His glory (Genesis 50:20, Isaiah 53:5, and Colossians 2:14).  The apex of this concept can be found in Calvary, where Jesus died on the cross for our sins (Romans 5:6-8).

Make it right (right, so right)
Make it right, right (right, so right)

Repeats prior line.

[Bridge]

I will stand my ground, I will stand my ground
I will stand my ground where hope can be found
I will stand my ground where hope can be found

Repeat of Verse 1, lines 4 and 5.

Score: 10/10

3. How would an outsider interpret the song?

Most likely, the same as I do.  Some might get the wrong idea, that God always makes wrongs right; however, this will require an explanation about man’s timing vs. God’s timing (see 2 Peter 3:9).  We need to prepare for this (1 Peter 3:15).

Score: 9/10

4. What does this song glorify?

The Lord hears our cries and makes wrongs right.

Score: 10/10

Final Comments

Even though the name of Jesus or God is not mentioned, there is enough in the lyrics to discern that it refers to God.  The lyrics to O’Lord are highly biblical and presents a message that glorifies the power of God to right wrongs.  It fits the theme Lauren was attempting to convey in her debut album.

Final score: 9.5/10

Artist Info

Track: O’Lord (listen to the song)

Artist: Lauren Daigle

Album: How Can It Be

Genre: Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)

Release Year: 2015

Duration: 4:19

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*Copyright © 2015 Flychild Publishing (SESAC) So Essential Tunes (SESAC) Sound District (BMI) (admin at EssentialMusicPublishing.com). All rights reserved. Used by permission.