Original photo by Tiard Schulz
Contemporary Christian and rock band United Pursuit has been active since 2006. They released a total of 17 combined albums and EP’s, including:
- EP (2008)
- Radiance (2009)
- In the Night Season (2009)
- Live at the Banks House (2009)
- Love/War/Solar System (2011)
- Color Of Red (2011)
- Here Begin (2011)
- Endless Years (2012)
- Live At the Banks House (2013)
- The Wild Inside (2014)
- Simple Gospel (2015)
- Looking for a Savior (2016)
- Simple Gospel B-Sides (2016)
- Tell All My Friends (2017)
- 40. (2017)
- Letting Go (2017)
- The Monthly EP (2018)
Also, see my review of their song Nothing I Hold Onto.
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?
United Pursuit asks to be filled with the Holy Spirit such that it overtakes every portion of their lives. This causes them to focus on Jesus instead of their problems; to become less about themselves and more about what God wants.
Side Note: To those sensitive to massive repetition, Chorus shows up five times, containing the song’s title 48 times.
Score: 10/10
2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?
All lyrics align with Scripture.
Lyrics posted with permission.*
[Verse]
You provide the fire
And I’ll provide the sacrifice
You provide the Spirit
And I will open up inside
The sacrifice is not the blood of bulls, goats, sheep, or food or is the fire flame and wood. United Pursuit offers themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 6:13, Romans 6:19, Romans 12:1, and 1 Peter 2:5) to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5, Romans 8:9-11, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:16-19, Galatians 4:6, Ephesians 5:18, and 2 Timothy 1:14). He helps them become more like Jesus and less like themselves (John 3:30).
[Chorus]
Fill me up, God
That is, with the Holy Spirit. See commentary on Verse 1.
Fill me up, God
Fill me up, God
Fill me up, God
Fill me up
Repeats line 1.
[Bridge]
Love of God overflow
Permeate all my soul
This request increases the intensity to which was asked in Chorus. United Pursuit wishes to be filled with the Holy Spirit to the point that it overtakes every aspect of their lives and radiates to others around them (Romans 15:13).
Love of God overflow
Permeate all my soul
Love of God overflow
Permeate all my soul
Repeats lines 1 and 2.
[Outro]
Overflow
Permeate all my soul, all my soul
Love of God
Fill me up
Repeats portions of Bridge and Chorus.
Score: 10/10
3. How would an outsider interpret the song?
Assuming for a moment that unbelievers make it to Bridge, those without a solid grasp on becoming filled with the Holy Spirit will have their bewilderment satiated by its explanation. It is God’s love that washes over believers and fills our hearts. Though we can never expect those outside the camp of Christ to experientially comprehend it, their minds should find their interpretation of Verse and Chorus eased by the simplicity of Bridge’s words.
Score: 9/10
4. What does this song glorify?
Its focus on God’s love that penetrates our hearts brings God glory.
Score: 10/10
Closing Comments
United Pursuit’s Fill Me Up is a simple message, asking God to fill us with the Holy Spirit, bringing God glory. Uunbelievers who hear the entire song will find any confusion on its meaning eased by Bridge’s words.
I find its massive refrains too annoying to recommend for corporate worship; However, worship pastors who disagree on this point may find its simplicity just what the doctor ordered.
Final Score: 9.5/10
Artist Info
Track: Fill Me Up (listen to the song)
Artist: United Pursuit (Feat. Will Reagan)
EP: EP
Genre: Rock
Release Year: 2008
Duration: 6:25
Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.
*Copyright © 2009 United Pursuit Music (ASCAP) Capitol CMG Genesis (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Updates:
03/26/2021 – Updated per repetition announcement. I moved my commentary to a side note and updated Conclusion. I also raised section 1’s score, increasing the overall rating from 9/10 to 9.5/10.
Comments
Danette Reeves
Sometimes these type of songs speak truth, but sound as if we have a deaf or ignorant god who cannot possibly hear or understand what we are saying unless we say the same few words over and over. “Fill me up” over and over…who is the focus on? ME.
Mitchell Hunt
One aspect of excessive repetition that is often overlooked , is it’s rather hypnotic ( or boring!) result. Good lyrics that present the message with variety have a heart, mind and thought expanding effect.
Vince Wright
Mitchell,
Thank you for your comment! I agree, which is why I appreciate the Psalmists and Paul when they make the same point using different words. It’s a great way to drill a point.
-Vince Wright