Here I Am To Worship: Lyrics & Chords (G)

by Jhon Lennon 42 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into one of the most beloved worship songs out there: "Here I Am to Worship." This song has a way of just speaking to the soul, right? It's simple, profound, and incredibly powerful. We'll be breaking down the lyrics and chords in the key of G, making it super easy for you to pick up your guitar or piano and join in. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting out, this guide is for you. We want to make learning this amazing song accessible and enjoyable for everyone. So grab your instruments, get comfortable, and let's get ready to pour our hearts out in worship!

Understanding the Original Song and Its Impact

"Here I Am to Worship," often referred to by its opening line, "Light of the World," is a contemporary Christian worship song written by Tim Hughes. It was released in 2000 on his album The Best of Tim Hughes. This song quickly became a global anthem, resonating with believers across denominations and cultures. Its enduring popularity stems from its straightforward yet deeply theological lyrics that focus on the majesty and love of God, contrasting it with our own imperfections. The song's simplicity in melody and structure also makes it incredibly versatile, suitable for large church gatherings or intimate personal devotion. The impact of "Here I Am to Worship" cannot be overstated; it has been translated into numerous languages and is sung in churches worldwide, serving as a powerful reminder of God's unending grace and our response of adoration. Its ability to cut through the noise of everyday life and focus our attention on the divine is truly remarkable. Many people find solace and inspiration in its message, using it as a personal prayer or a corporate declaration of faith. The song's journey from a simple worship song to a global phenomenon highlights the power of authentic expression and relatable theology. It’s a testament to how a well-crafted song can unite people in a shared experience of faith and worship, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. The core message of worship is about recognizing God's worth and responding with our whole being, and this song does that beautifully. It encourages us to shift our focus from ourselves and our circumstances to the one who is truly worthy of all praise. The simplicity of the chords and melody, when coupled with such profound lyrical content, creates an atmosphere conducive to deep spiritual reflection and heartfelt adoration. It’s not just a song; it’s an invitation to encounter the divine.

Why the Key of G is Great for This Song

So, why are we focusing on the key of G for "Here I Am to Worship"? Well, guys, the key of G is often considered one of the most guitar-friendly keys. It's got a bright, uplifting sound that really suits the spirit of this worship song. For guitarists, the G major chord is a foundational shape, and many of the common chords used in this song (like C, D, Em, and Am) are easy to play with open strings or simple barre chords. This means you can get up and running pretty quickly, even if you're not a guitar wizard yet. For pianists and keyboardists, the key of G also offers a comfortable range and is relatively easy to navigate. The white keys primarily involved (G, A, B, C, D, E, F#) make for straightforward chord voicings and melodies. The overall feel of the key of G is warm and inviting, which perfectly complements the heartfelt message of "Here I Am to Worship." It allows the melody to soar without feeling strained and the harmonies to sound rich and full. Many worship leaders prefer keys like G because they sit well in the vocal range for a large portion of people, making congregational singing more accessible and enjoyable. It’s a key that naturally encourages participation and fosters a sense of unity. Plus, when you're strumming or playing those chords, the resonance of the open strings on a guitar or the natural warmth of the piano keys in G just adds to the overall ambiance of worship. It’s a key that feels both grounded and aspirational, much like the message of the song itself. Choosing the right key can significantly impact how a song feels and how easy it is to learn and play. For "Here I Am to Worship," the key of G hits that sweet spot, offering a perfect blend of accessibility, warmth, and musicality that enhances the worship experience. It’s a choice that serves both the musician and the congregation, making this powerful song even more impactful.

"Here I Am to Worship" - Lyrics and Chords in G

Alright, let's get down to business! Here are the lyrics and chords for "Here I Am to Worship" in the key of G. We'll break it down verse by verse. Remember, these chords are suggestions, and you can always adapt them to your own style or skill level. The main chords you'll need are G, C, D, Em, and sometimes Am.

(Verse 1)

**(G)**Light of the world **(C)**You stepped down into **(G)**darkness **(D)**Opened my eyes Let **(G)**me see

**(G)**Beauty that made **(C)**This heart adore You **(G)**Hope of the **(D)**age Is **(G)**Jesus

(Chorus)

**(G)**So here I am to **(C)**worship **(G)**Here I am to **(D)**bow down **(G)**Here I am to **(C)**say that You're my **(G)**God you're **(D)**awesome **(G)**God

(Verse 2)

**(G)**King of all days **(C)**Oh so highly **(G)**Exalted **(D)**Glorious in **(G)**Heaven above

**(G)**Humbly You came **(C)To the earth You cre(G)**ated **(D)**All for love's **(G)**sake

(Chorus)

**(G)**So here I am to **(C)**worship **(G)**Here I am to **(D)**bow down **(G)**Here I am to **(C)**say that You're my **(G)**God you're **(D)**awesome **(G)**God

(Bridge)

**(Em)**What can **(C)**come close to **(G)**You Lord **(D)**What can **(Em)**compare **(C)**To Your **(G)**love (D)

**(Em)**What can **(C)**come close to **(G)**You Lord **(D)**What can **(Em)**compare **(C)**To Your **(G)**love (D)

(Chorus)

**(G)**So here I am to **(C)**worship **(G)**Here I am to **(D)**bow down **(G)**Here I am to **(C)**say that You're my **(G)**God you're **(D)**awesome **(G)**God

(Outro)

**(G)**You're my **(D)**God You're **(C)**awesome **(G)**God

Note: The timing and strumming patterns can be adjusted to fit the feel you want. A simple down-up strum for each beat usually works well for a worshipful feel. For the bridge, you might want to slow down the tempo slightly to emphasize the lyrics.

Tips for Playing "Here I Am to Worship" on Guitar

Learning to play "Here I Am to Worship" on the guitar in the key of G is a fantastic goal, guys! Since G is such a guitar-friendly key, you're in for a treat. Let's break down some practical tips to make your playing sound awesome. First off, master the basic chords: G, C, D, and Em. These are the workhorses of this song. For the G chord, a common and resonant shape is the open G (320003 or 320033). The C chord can be played as a standard open C (x32010), or if you're comfortable, a C major barre chord at the 3rd fret (x35553). The D chord is a classic open D (xx0232). And the Em chord is super easy – open Em (022000). Practice transitioning smoothly between these. A good exercise is to just cycle through G-C-G-D, then G-C-G-D-G, focusing on clean chord changes. For the bridge, the Em chord really shines. Emphasize its slightly more somber, reflective tone before returning to the triumphant chorus. When it comes to strumming, a simple down-down-up-up-down-up pattern is a great starting point for most of the song. It has a nice driving rhythm that builds energy. You can also simplify it to just down strums on each beat if you're focusing on singing or if you prefer a more laid-back feel. For a more dynamic worship experience, try varying your strumming intensity. Play softer during the verses and build up the volume and energy as you approach the chorus. Don't be afraid to experiment with palm muting on the verses for a more subdued sound, and then open up for the chorus. Another great tip is to listen to different recordings of the song. Pay attention to how other guitarists are playing it – notice their strumming patterns, chord voicings, and any embellishments they might add. You might hear subtle variations or fills that can add a lot of character to your own playing. Remember, the goal is to support the worship and the message of the song. So, focus on playing clearly and expressively. If you're using a capo, you could even transpose this to a different key if G feels too high or too low for your voice, but for learning purposes, sticking to G is excellent due to its ease on the guitar. Keep practicing those chord changes, experiment with different strumming patterns, and let the music flow. You've got this!

Piano and Keyboard Accompaniment Tips

For those of you rocking the piano or keyboard, playing "Here I Am to Worship" in the key of G is also super rewarding! The key of G has a lovely, warm sound on the keys, and the chords align nicely. Let's talk about how to make it sound great. The core chords we're using are G, C, D, Em, and Am. On the piano, you can play these as basic triads. For G major, that's G-B-D. For C major, it's C-E-G. For D major, it's D-F#-A. And for E minor, it's E-G-B. Now, to add some richness, consider playing the chords in your right hand while establishing a bass note in your left. For a G chord, your left hand might play a G, and your right hand plays the G major triad or an inversion. For the transition from G to C, you might play a G in the left hand, then a C in the left hand with the C triad in the right. Experiment with different bass notes for a fuller sound – walking bass lines or simply alternating between the root and the fifth can add movement. Another fantastic technique is using arpeggios. Instead of playing the chord as a block, break it up by playing the notes individually in sequence. For example, for a G chord, you could play G-B-D, then G-B-D again, or create a flowing pattern. This can add a beautiful, shimmering quality to the worship. During the chorus, you might want to play fuller chords, perhaps with both hands playing chords or inversions, to create a more powerful sound. For the bridge, with the Em chord, you can use softer dynamics and perhaps more sustained notes or simpler arpeggios to reflect the questioning and seeking nature of those lyrics. Think about voicing. Instead of always playing the root position triad, try inversions (where the bass note isn't the root). This can create smoother transitions between chords and a more sophisticated sound. For example, going from G (G-B-D) to C, you could use a B in the bass (first inversion of G), then move to a C chord. Listen to how the bass line moves. Dynamics are also crucial in worship music. Start softly on the verses, perhaps just with a simple melody line or light chords, and build intensity into the chorus. Use the sustain pedal judiciously to connect the notes and create a warm wash of sound, but be careful not to let it become muddy. For a congregational setting, simpler, more rhythmic chord playing might be more effective for people to follow. But for personal reflection or a smaller group, more elaborate voicings and arpeggios can really enhance the atmosphere. Don't forget about the melody! You can subtly weave the vocal melody into your right hand or play counter-melodies that complement the singing. Ultimately, the goal is to create an atmosphere of worship that is both musically pleasing and spiritually uplifting. Experiment, listen, and let the Holy Spirit guide your playing!

Making It Your Own: Variations and Adaptations

While learning the standard chords and lyrics for "Here I Am to Worship" is a great starting point, guys, the real magic often happens when you start to make it your own. Music is a living, breathing thing, and worship is deeply personal. So, let's chat about some variations and adaptations you can explore to infuse this song with your unique style and connect with it on a deeper level. First off, don't be afraid to simplify or embellish chords. If the standard G, C, D, Em feel too basic, try adding 7ths (like Gmaj7, Cmaj7, D7, Em7) for a richer sound. Or, if you're just starting, focus on the core triads and ensure your transitions are smooth. Maybe you find that a particular chord change feels awkward; experiment with different inversions or even substitute a closely related chord that feels more natural to you. For guitarists, exploring different strumming patterns is key. Beyond the basic down-up, try incorporating muting, hammer-ons, pull-offs, or fingerpicking. A gentle fingerstyle approach during the verses can create a beautiful, intimate feel, while a more powerful strum can lift the energy for the chorus. On the piano, you can play with rhythmic variations. Instead of straight quarter notes, try syncopated rhythms or triplet feel in certain sections. You could also play block chords, broken chords (arpeggios), or even a combination of both. Consider adding instrumental fills or solos. After a chorus, or during an instrumental break, a simple melodic line on guitar or piano can add a lot of interest. It doesn't have to be complex; even a few well-placed notes that echo the vocal melody can be very effective. Think about dynamics and tempo. "Here I Am to Worship" is often sung with a building intensity. You can achieve this by starting very softly and slowly, gradually increasing the volume and tempo as the song progresses, reaching a crescendo in the final choruses. Conversely, you might choose to keep a more consistent, gentle tempo throughout for a meditative feel. Lyrical adaptations are also possible, though less common in established worship songs. If a particular phrase doesn't resonate with you, or if you feel inspired to add a personal declaration of faith, you could subtly adjust a word or phrase, ensuring it still honors the song's core message. Finally, consider the context. Are you playing for a large congregation, a small home group, or just for yourself? Adapt your arrangement accordingly. A big church might benefit from a fuller, more powerful sound with drums and bass, while a quiet devotional time might call for just a simple acoustic guitar or piano. The most important thing is to worship authentically. Use these chords and lyrics as a foundation, but let your heart lead the way. Experiment, have fun, and allow the Holy Spirit to inspire your musical expression. The goal is always to draw closer to God and lead others in doing the same.

Conclusion: Embracing the Heart of Worship

So there you have it, guys! We've explored the lyrics and chords for "Here I Am to Worship" in the key of G. We've touched upon why the key of G is so accessible and has a wonderful sound, shared tips for both guitarists and keyboardists, and even discussed how you can adapt the song to make it uniquely yours. This song, at its core, is a beautiful invitation to focus our hearts and minds on God's majesty, love, and sacrifice. It’s about responding to His immense grace with our own heartfelt adoration. Learning to play it is more than just memorizing chords; it's about internalizing the message and allowing it to shape our worship. Whether you're strumming a simple G chord or playing intricate piano voicings, the intention behind the music is what truly matters. We hope this guide has made learning "Here I Am to Worship" easier and more enjoyable for you. Remember, practice makes perfect, but authentic heart-felt worship is always perfect in God's eyes. Keep singing, keep playing, and most importantly, keep worshipping! May this song continue to be a blessing in your personal devotion and in your corporate worship gatherings. It's a powerful reminder that no matter what we're going through, God is always worthy of our praise. So, let's continue to lift Him up with all that we are! Happy playing and even happier worshipping!