Lyrically , the bridge exhorts everyone to shout from the mountains and sing to the masses “ that he is God .” Parallel to this exhortation , the chorus returns as an alternate option for people to sing . The result is a bridge saying “ hey do this thing ” and a chorus answering with that very thing .
The interplay is simple but meaningful , and it brings the song to a momentous finale .
HOW ARE WE SINGING ABOUT IT ?
The bridge takes the common chords in use and simply alters their order to something even more straightforward …
A , E , F # m , C
Further , the bridge progression becomes the backdrop of a second expression of the chorus as well , and how the chorus melody feels being sung over the third set of chords above , compared to the second , is remarkably different . what I ’ m aiming for .
I wonder if some of these simple devices could prove useful to a song you ’ re working on . Have you tried moving the tonic around based on the section ? Have you experimented with overlapping rounds to encourage a congregation to meaningfully diverge even as it sings together ?
Until next time , keep seeking , keep searching , and keep writing .
Let ’ s consider some elements of the song ’ s music .
The chord structure of the verse celebrates an ascending / descending pattern while not hanging too much on the tonic A major …
F # m , E , A , D Bm , F # m , E , D
In the chorus , the chords do less to move vertically , and instead continue to land on the tonic , which is leaned on more heavily . This gives the chorus a sense of being “ home .” If the verses feel like the struggle to journey somewhere , the choruses feel like having arrived , and exploring that space …
F # m , D , A
All considered , the song features : 1 . a verse with a tonic that ’ s danced around and obscured , while 2 . in the chorus , the tonic is landed on and feels “ found ,” and 3 . in the bridge , it is the first chord struck , and the very engine powering the progression .
I doubt that David Leonard and Leslie Jordan had this in mind intentionally while writing the song , but it ’ s nonetheless worth our understanding , as it ’ s a significant part of why the song feels like it ’ s steadily leading us somewhere as it progresses . It ’ s a big part of why that momentous finale brings with it something undefinable . Something transcendent .
And I don ’ t know about you , but that ’ s always
“ All the Poor and Powerless ” by All Sons & Daughters
Featured lyrics and music by David Leonard and Leslie Jordan © Copyright 2011 Integrity ’ s Alleluia ! Music ( Admin . by Capitol CMG Publishing ( IMI ))
Kevin MacDougall Worship leader , published and recorded songwriter , musician and podcast producer . macdougall . k @ gmail . com