American Idol has been a launchpad for many music superstars, including Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. While they crowned only a select few as the show's winners, many contestants have become mega superstars. One artist, in particular, didn’t hit the big time until years later.
American contemporary Christian music singer/songwriter Lauren Daigle auditioned for the ninth season of American Idol in 2010 but was eliminated during the Hollywood Week round. In 2015, Lauren dropped her first album, How Can It Be. Since then, she’s won multiple Grammy, Billboard, and American Music Awards for her music. Her famous songs include "You Say," "Rescue," and "Trust in You."
After a sabbatical, Lauren’s back with her new single, "Thank God I Do," announcing that her forthcoming self-titled album,Lauren Daigle, comes out in May 2023.
Lauren says that her latest project is her most precious one yet. The record encompasses various emotions, ranging from fun and extroverted to solemn and introverted. With this release, Lauren is excited about taking her songwriting skills to new heights, surpassing her previous works.
The release of "Thank God I Do" signifies the beginning of a new creative era for the artist. She recently announced her partnership with Atlantic Records and her longtime label home, Centricity Music. I spoke with Lauren about her inspirational new track, “Thank God I Do.”
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
This song emerged out of COVID-19 lockdowns and uncertainties. Amid those experiences, I realized God puts specific people in your life for a particular reason. And I needed the people around me to keep my head above water.
With everyone stuck on Zoom during the pandemic, I started several girl’s groups to stay in touch with friends. Because nobody was out touring or interacting in person, the online groups allowed me to see my friends I couldn’t keep up with in a while. That led to this song about praising the Lord for the joy of being in a relationship with Him and for His provision of the right people at the right times.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Matthew 11:28-30(MSG): "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me, and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me, and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Romans 8:11(VOICE): "If the Spirit of the One who resurrected Jesus from the dead lives inside of you, then you can be sure that He who raised Him will cast the light of life into your mortal bodies through the life-giving power of the Spirit residing in you."
Psalm 33:20-22(MSG): "We're depending on God; He's everything we need. What's more, our hearts brim with joy since we've taken for our own His holy name. Love us, God, with all you've got--that's what we're depending on."
Hebrews 6:19(NLT): "This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary."
Psalm 119:114(NKJV): "You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word."
Psalm 71:1-3(NIV): "In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. Rescue me and deliver me in Your righteousness; turn Your ear to me and save me. Be my Rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for You are my Rock and my Fortress."
Acts 2:28(VOICE): "Instead, You direct me on a path that leads to a beautiful life. As I walk with You, the pleasures are never-ending, and I know true joy and contentment."
1 Peter 5:7(NKJV): “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
Romans 8:28(VOICE): "We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan."
John 15:4-5(VOICE): "Abide in Me, and I will abide in you. A branch cannot bear fruit if it is disconnected from the vine, and neither will you if you are not connected to Me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you abide in Me and I in you, you will bear great fruit. Without Me, you will accomplish nothing."
What is the takeaway message?
I spent many nights during COVID struggling with feelings of loneliness and isolation. The tour I had hoped to join since I was a teenager was canceled. This song expresses my thoughts of gratitude like a journal entry for my relationship with God, which provides me comfort and stability. These lyrics remind me of the value of God in my life.
Our relationship with God and those around us affects our emotional and mental well-being. The song’s lyrics, “My head is finally clear,” express that sentiment. Our need for human connection highlights gratitude, compassion, and connection in our relationships. It emphasizes the power of love to provide comfort, support, and meaning in our lives.
God can help life feel easier and lighter. He wants to give us rest in that passage about learning the “unforced rhythms of grace.” Being with God can lift a weight off your shoulders. In the bridge, God is described as a “safe place” and a “hideaway”—a source of comfort and security where we can feel protected and at ease.
Also, “anchor” and “saving grace” highlights how He provides stability and support. God is a constant presence who provides a sense of steadiness and reliability. The lyrics describe God as a source of nourishment. He’s like oxygen, providing us with what we need to survive and thrive.
Lyrics
I’ve seen love come and I’ve seen love walk away So many questions Will anybody stay It’s been a challenging year So many nights in tears All of the darkness Trying to fight my fears Alone so long alone
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
I’ve started breathing The weight is lifted here With you, it’s easy My head is finally clear There’s nothing missing When you are by my side I took the long road But now I realize I’m home with you I’m home
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
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
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
I don’t know who I’d be If I didn’t know you Thank God I do
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 I don’t know who I’d be If I didn’t know you Thank God I do
Closing Thoughts
God wants us to believe in our freedom on the cross of Jesus. When you abide in His grace, you won’t be the same. His grace takes away anxiety, addiction, guilt, and shame. Know that being His is enough.
Many of us struggle with the idea that our past and present mistakes and thoughts of anxiety, worry, and depression define us, yet the Bible tells us that isn't true. Read that excellent translation in The Message of Matthew 11:28-30.
Jesus tells us: "Come to me. Get away with me, and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest." What an incredible comfort to know that when we struggle with our pain, pride, and unloving natures, we can all lay it at the feet of Jesus.
This song truly touches me. It articulates what it means to live a God-centered life in a turbulent world. It’s a daily prayer asking God to come and change our hearts and lives so that our behavior and the way we live flow from God living inside us. As a dad of three young girls, my wife and I have tried to raise our daughters to have confidence that they have been made in God's likeness.
We all have lies we believe in ourselves. When you abide in His grace, you won't be the same. The enemy seeks to destroy us and our relationship with God by making us believe lies that things of this world will fill the holes in our hearts.
Lauren has written and sung a memorable song based on the truth of the identity struggle we all face, knowing that as children of God, we’re made in His image and made whole only by His love.
As Christians, we’re called to embrace the freedom that comes through the cross of Jesus. Through His sacrifice, we’re free from our fears, addictions, insecurities, and the burden of perfectionism. By surrendering our lives to Him, we can experience the fullness of life He offers. Jesus died for each of us so that we may live in Him and enjoy the freedom that comes with it.
So many people can relate to the song’s comforting message of hope. Breathe it in like oxygen, and God's hope will turn whatever you’re going through into something different for His glory.
This song has become my anthem, and I sing along at the top of my lungs to the sincere and passionate lyrics of submission: “You’re my safe place/My hide away/You’re my anchor/My saving grace/You’re my constant/My steadiness/You’re my shelter/My oxygen/I don’t know who I’d be/If I didn’t know you/Thank God I do.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a longtime Christian music fan and an avid music collector. He credits the message of Christian music for leading him to Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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