Lauren Daigle is one of the most successful contemporary Christian music artists of our time. With multiple Grammy awards, Billboard Music Awards, and American Music Awards under her belt, she has proven her ability to create songs that resonate with millions of listeners around the world.
Her latest single, Thank God I Do, is no exception; it embraces the beauty of faith and relationship, swiftly emerging as a poignant anthem for many. Released on March 8, 2023, the song is the lead single from her third album, Lauren Daigle. Known for her soul-stirring vocals and lyrics, Daigle’s new track was quick to make waves, playing at the top of every hour on K-LOVE radio on the day it dropped.
In this article, we will unveil the story behind Thank God I Do, a song that expresses gratitude for her personal relationship with God. We will also explore the lyrics, the production, the reception, and the performance of this inspirational hit.
The Inspiration Behind Thank God I Do
The song was born out of the uncertainty and isolation of the COVID-19 lockdowns, as Daigle realised the importance of having specific people in her life for a specific purpose. As Daigle herself explains, “God puts very specific people in your life for a very specific reason“.
To stay connected with her friends during the pandemic, she started online girl groups, which gave her the chance to catch up with friends she hadn’t spoken to in a while. The experience inspired Thank God I Do, a moving tribute to the joy of having a relationship with God and to His provision of the right people in our lives at the right time.
Daigle said that she wanted to write a song that celebrated the simple joys of life and the blessings that come with each day. She said that she hopes that the song will inspire others to appreciate what they have and to thank God for it.
The Lyrics and Production of Thank God I Do
Thank God I Do is a piano ballad that features a string arrangement by Rob Moose, who has collaborated with Bon Iver, Taylor Swift, and John Legend. The song was written by Daigle herself, along with Jason Ingram, Alicia Moore, Jeff Bhasker, and Nate Ruess. It was produced by Mike Elizondo, who has worked with artists like Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Carrie Underwood.
The lyrics of Thank God I Do are personal, introspective, and filled with gratitude, reflecting Daigle’s faith and her relationship with God. The melody of the song is emotive and powerful, matching the deep and profound themes of the lyrics. The use of a piano ballad format gives the song a classic, timeless feel, and it provides a strong foundation for Daigle’s vocals. The melody is both haunting and comforting, reflecting the song’s themes of struggle, faith, and gratitude.
The song’s production further enhances its emotive qualities. The use of a string arrangement by Rob Moose adds a layer of richness and depth to the song. It contributes to the song’s introspective and poignant atmosphere, and it complements the piano and Daigle’s vocals nicely. Additionally, the production choice to keep the instrumentation relatively sparse allows Daigle’s vocals to shine and prevents the song from becoming overly complex or crowded.
Interestingly, Nate Ruess of the band Fun is listed as a writer along with Pink (under her real name, Alecia Moore), probably because Thank God I Do has a melody similar to their 2012 duet Just Give Me A Reason, which Ruess and Pink wrote together.
Lyrics of Thank God I Do
Verse 1
I’ve seen love come and I’ve seen love walk away
So many questions / Will anybody stay?
It’s been a hard year / So many nights in tears
All of the darkness / Tryin’ to fight my fears
Alone, so long, alone
Chorus
I don’t know who I’d be if I didn’t know You
I’d probably fall off the edge / I don’t know where I’d go if You ever let go
So keep me held in Your hands
Verse 2
I’ve started breathin’ / The weight is lifted here
With You, it’s easy / My head is finally clear
There’s nothin’ missing / When You are by my side
I took the long road / But now I realise
I’m home, with You, I’m home
Chorus
I don’t know who I’d be if I didn’t know You / I’d probably fall off thе edge
I don’t know where I’d go if You ever let go / So keep me held in Your hands
I don’t know who I’d be if I didn’t know You / I’d probably fall of the edge
I don’t know where I’d go if You ever let go / So keep me held in Your hands
Bridge
You’re my safe place / My hideaway / You’re my anchor
My saving grace / You’re my constant / My steadiness
You’re my shelter / My oxygen
Breakdown
I don’t know who I’d be if I didn’t know You
Thank God, I do
Chorus
I don’t know who I’d be if I didn’t know You
I’d probably fall off the edge
I don’t know where I’d go if You ever let go
So keep me held in Your hands
These lyrics encapsulate Daigle’s gratitude towards God, anchoring the overarching theme of the song. Daigle’s Thank God I Do resonates with listeners, thanks to its relatable narrative and powerful lyrics. The song speaks to the universal experience of finding solace and strength in faith and relationships, making it a beacon of hope for many.
The Reception and Performance of Thank God I Do
Thank God I Do has received positive reviews from critics and fans alike. The song has been praised for its uplifting message, its catchy melody, and Daigle’s powerful vocals. The song has also been a commercial success, reaching the top spot on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart and the top ten on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
With this achievement, Daigle extended her record as the woman with the most No. 1s on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart. While among all artists, Daigle is tied for fourth place with Jeremy Camp, Third Day, Chris Tomlin, and Matthew West.
Daigle made the television debut of Thank God I Do on TODAY as part of the Citi Music Series on March 30, 2023. She performed the song live with her band and a string quartet in front of a cheering audience. She also shared some details about her upcoming album and tour.
Conclusion
Thank God I Do is a song that expresses gratitude for her personal relationship with God. It is the lead single from Lauren Daigle’s third album, Lauren Daigle. The song was inspired by Daigle’s own journey of faith and growth during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The song has received positive reviews and has been a commercial success. Daigle performed the song live on TODAY and released a music video for it.
If you are a fan of Lauren Daigle or if you are looking for some inspiration and encouragement in your life, you should definitely give Thank God I Do a listen. You might find yourself singing along and thanking God for all that He has done for you.
