Song Story: Lord, I Lift Your Name on High
This popular praise and worship song was written by Rick Founds in 1989.
Founds began writing music at an early age and has written over 300 songs.
He moved to California, where he served as Minister of Music for a church in California.
He recounted the writing of this popular song.
“The song was born out of a typical Bible study or devotional time that I have, usually in the mornings. At that time he was music director of a large church…I would read a portion of the New Testament followed by a portion of the Old Testament.”
During his devotional one day, the lyrics to the song came to him and he picked up his guitar and began to play and sing, the song coming quickly.
He went on to say, “It is just a simple song, but it is what the Lord dropped on my heart.”
Soon thereafter, he shared it at Bible Study and from there the song spread. Maranatha! Music published the song and it was often performed by Promise Keepers.
From 1997-2003 the CCLI reported Lord I Lift Your Name on High as the most popular song used in churches and it has been covered by many artists.
It has been translated into at least 15 languages and dialects and he receives letters from around the world.
Founds has heard his song done in every style you can think of. “It’s a lot of fun to hear things you’ve written done in reggae, in 3/4, in country, and in Spanish flavor. That means those groups have made the song their own. It’s exciting!”
We all need to remember to lift the Lords name on high.