Living the Lyrics: “Overwhelmed” by Big Daddy Weave

When Adam Bitter introduced the song “Overwhelmed” by Big Daddy Weave at the Steubenville STL Mid-America conference last year, it was no wonder this song was an instant favorite among the participants. An awesome drum beat, combined with a melody you can belt out at the top of your lungs, always makes for a great tune! However, what I like the most about this song is how the artist marvels at God and His works.

Seeing God Through His Works

Do you ever gaze upon God’s creation in wonder and awe? If you don’t, I highly encourage you to do so.

You can learn a lot about a creator by looking at its creation. As a musician, I can really appreciate this concept. No matter what I’m feeling at any moment, you can always hear it in my guitar playing. Sometimes, I feel like I can express myself better through the music I create than with my own words.

Well, God is THE creator and He has a lot to say to us through all of His works.

I absolutely love the first two lines of this song: “I see the work of your hands / Galaxies spin in a heavenly dance.” It says so much with so few words! All of God’s creation works together in harmony, like one big dance. All created things are completely unique, but are all interdependent and complete each other in a life-giving way.

The Catechism tells us:

“The beauty of creation reflects the infinite beauty of the Creator and ought to inspire the respect and submission of man’s intellect and will.” (CCC, para. 341)

God also reveals how big He is through His creation. We are also reminded of how small we are, and how we shouldn’t put so much of an emphasis on our own accomplishments. Not only are our accomplishments infinitely small compared to God’s, but they wouldn’t even be possible in the first place if God didn’t create everything in the universe first. Nothing starts with us. Humbling, isn’t it?

For all we know, the universe is infinite. If you were at Steubenville STL Mid-America, you probably remember hearing about God’s limitless love for us. Just as much as we are surrounded by, and suspended in, the infinite universe around us, so are we in God’s love.

A Gentle and Thundering Noise

The lyrics, “I hear the sound of your voice / All at once it’s a gentle and thundering noise” are also very deep. Do you ever think about how God can be all good things at the same time, no matter how opposite they may seem?

For example, God can love me like a father, a brother, a friend, and even a lover all at the same time. This is clearly impossible on a human level. But not for God!!!

If I’m going through a hard time, I can count on Him to protect me and guide me like a father. He can relate to me like a brother. He can talk with me and spend time with me like a friend. He can even give himself for me like a spouse.

God is like one big paradox!

YOU Are the Most Beautiful

When we look at all that God has created, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by His greatness. Who knows, maybe the reason He made it so vast is so we can come to that realization.

No matter how big God’s creation is, you are still the most valuable of all His creations. It’s the privilege we have of being made in His image and likeness. This very well may be the most overwhelming thing for us to comprehend.

Just remember…you are the most beautiful.

Overwhelmed Lyrics

I see the work of Your Hands
Galaxies spin in a Heavenly dance oh God
All that You are is so overwhelming

I hear the sound of Your Voice
All at once it’s a gentle and thundering noise oh God
All that You are is so overwhelming

I delight myself in You
Captivated by Your beauty
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

God, I run into Your arms
Unashamed because of mercy
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

I know the power of Your Cross
Forgiven and free forever You’ll be my God

All that You’ve done is so overwhelming
I delight myself in You
In the Glory of Your Presence
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

God, I run into Your arms
Unashamed because of mercy
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

You are Beautiful, You are Beautiful
Oh God, there is no one more Beautiful
You are Beautiful, God you are the most Beautiful

You are Wonderful, You are Wonderful
Oh God, there is no one more Wonderful
You are Wonderful, God You are the most Wonderful

You are Glorious, You are Glorious
Oh God, there is no one more Glorious
You are Glorious, God you are the most Glorious

Written by Denny Handley
Denny Handley is the Sr. Manager of Media, Marketing, and Technology for the Department of Evangelization and Parish Ministry Support in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. He's a husband, father, musician, and a true coffee nerd.