Song of the Week - The Stand

The other day, I was driving home from work, and this song came on my mp3 player. I've been trying to think of a song to play in the background of this thing I want to do for the Christmas cantata, and The Stand by Hillsong might be the front runner.

As the song continued to play, I imagined everyone in the pack-till-the-fire-marshal-faints room standing, arms raised, repeating the chorus over and over. I wonder if any of the other drivers on the Connecticut Turnpike noticed the tears.

The Stand was written in 2005 by Hillsong United's prolific worship leader Joel Houston. (Between Joel Houston and Israel Houston you've got about a third of our catalog..) It was recorded that same year live at Encounterfest and included on United's 2006 release United We Stand. It was also covered by Michael . Smith.
The song has an interesting structure. It starts off very quiet, with little accompanyment.

You stood before creation
Eternity in Your hand
You spoke the earth
into motion
My soul now to stand

It's very quiet and moody, which makes a nice counterpoint to the later point. The prechorus come in...

So what can I say
And what can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You

I think Hillsong plays "The Stand" in A; we tend to do it in G. When we get to the prechorus, I like to do a run up on the B string, starting with the C, while the bass does some passing notes. What's really interesting about this song is that you don't go to the chorus until the end, and then you stay in the chorus.

So I'll stand
with arms high and heart abandoned
In awe
of the One who gave it all
I'll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered
All I am is Yours

The first couple of times are quiet, building to crescendo, until by the fourth or fifth repition, we're pretty much playing full out. We bring it down at the end, but it generally is a great worship moment. I love the determination of the song - "I'll stand" is a declarative statement. It's like "You are so great and awesome, God, that I can do nothing. But I will choose to stand and raise my hands in worship, because you died for me." Gives me goosebumps.