Hillsong UNITED’s Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) is more than just a popular Christian worship song; it’s a modern anthem that has resonated deeply within congregations worldwide. Dominating Christian radio for months after its release and remaining a staple years later, as evidenced by its consistent presence on Billboard’s top Christian songs chart, Oceans possesses a unique staying power. This review delves into the lyrical depth and scriptural foundation of this impactful song, originally featured on their album Zion.
Understanding that Oceans is intentionally poetic and rich in metaphor is key to appreciating its message. This analysis focuses on the original version of the song and seeks to provide a comprehensive exploration of its themes and theological underpinnings.
1. The Core Message of Faith and Trust
At its heart, Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) draws its primary inspiration from the biblical narrative of Jesus walking on water, found in Matthew 14:22-31. The song beautifully encapsulates the moment when Peter, at Jesus’s command, steps out of the boat and onto the turbulent sea, walking miraculously towards his Lord. This act of faith, followed by Peter’s wavering and subsequent rescue by Jesus, forms the central metaphor of the song.
The lyrics extend this historical account into a personal and spiritual journey. It’s not merely retelling a Bible story, but using it as a powerful allegory for the Christian walk of faith. The song speaks to trusting in God even when circumstances seem overwhelming and impossible, mirroring Peter’s initial courage and subsequent fear. It touches on themes of obedience to God’s call, even into the “great unknown,” and the reassurance of God’s presence amidst doubt and fear.
While the song uses metaphorical language, it is grounded in a historical event. For listeners unfamiliar with the biblical context, it’s important to understand that the imagery is rooted in a real miracle. The song uses this miracle to illustrate broader spiritual truths about faith and reliance on God in challenging times. This understanding addresses concerns about potentially obscuring the historical basis of the narrative with metaphorical interpretations.
Score: 9/10
2. Scriptural Alignment: A Deep Dive into the Lyrics
The lyrical strength of Oceans lies in its profound connection to Scripture. Each verse and chorus is interwoven with biblical themes and allusions, creating a rich tapestry of faith-based expressions.
[Verse 1]
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
This opening directly references Matthew 14:28-29, the pivotal moment where Jesus invites Peter to walk on water. This is an act of audacious faith, stepping out of the safety of the boat into a situation where human capability is clearly insufficient. The “great unknown” symbolizes the uncertainties and challenges of life and faith, where we are called to trust God beyond our own understanding and control. This resonates with the call to child-like faith, devoid of doubt, as emphasized in James 1:6-8, reminding believers that wavering faith can lead to spiritual sinking. “You” is later revealed to be “Jesus, my God,” establishing the divine focus of this calling.
And there I find You in the mystery
This line speaks to the profound truth that encountering God often happens in the midst of the unknown and challenging circumstances. The “mystery” of God is not something to be solved but experienced. Scripture supports this idea in verses like Deuteronomy 29:29, which speaks of secret things belonging to God, and Proverbs 25:2, highlighting God’s hidden wisdom. Further, verses like Ephesians 3:4-5 and Colossians 1:25-27 discuss the mystery of Christ revealed to believers, suggesting that deeper understanding and encounters with God occur as we step into the unknown guided by faith.
In oceans deep my faith will stand
While the biblical event occurred on the Sea of Galilee, the use of “oceans deep” here amplifies the metaphor. It represents life’s overwhelming trials and vast uncertainties. This line is a powerful declaration of faith’s resilience. It’s a metaphorical assertion that even in the deepest, most turbulent waters of life, faith rooted in God can provide a firm foundation. This aligns with scriptures like 1 Corinthians 16:13 and Philippians 1:27, which encourage believers to stand firm in their faith, and Hebrews 6:19 which speaks of faith as an anchor for the soul.
[Chorus]
And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace
This chorus echoes Peter’s desperate cry in Matthew 14:30, “Lord, save me!” Calling upon God’s name is a recurring theme in scripture for seeking help and deliverance (Psalm 18:3, Psalm 55:16, Joel 2:32, Acts 2:21). “Waves” are a common biblical metaphor for life’s trials and tribulations. “Keeping eyes above the waves” signifies focusing on God amidst difficulties, rather than being overwhelmed by them. The promise that “my soul will rest in Your embrace” offers comfort and assurance of God’s peace even when surrounded by turmoil. This resonates with the peace that surpasses understanding mentioned in Philippians 4:7.
For I am Yours and You are mine
This declaration of belonging and intimate relationship is central to Christian faith. It speaks to the covenant relationship between God and believers. Scriptures like Romans 8:15, highlighting adoption into God’s family, and John 17:9-10, where Jesus speaks of His followers belonging to Him and the Father, reinforce this theme of personal connection and ownership in the divine-human relationship.
[Verse 2]
Your grace abounds in deepest waters
This verse beautifully captures the boundless nature of God’s grace, extending even into the most challenging and overwhelming circumstances (“deepest waters”). Psalm 107:23-31 vividly illustrates God’s grace rescuing those in peril at sea, mirroring this lyrical sentiment. Grace is not limited by the depth of our struggles but rather meets us even there.
Your sovereign hand will be my guide
This line combines two powerful theological concepts: God’s sovereignty and His guidance. God’s sovereignty, His ultimate rule and authority over all creation (Psalm 103:19, Isaiah 45:9-10, Romans 9:19-21), assures us that He is in control even when life feels chaotic. His “guiding hand” speaks to His active involvement in our lives, leading and directing us (Psalm 32:8, Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 48:17). This combination provides a sense of security and direction amidst life’s uncertainties.
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You’ve never failed and You won’t start now
This is a powerful statement of faith in God’s unchanging character and faithfulness. It acknowledges human frailty (“feet may fail”) and the reality of fear, yet contrasts these with God’s unwavering reliability. Scriptures like Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:9, and Hebrews 13:5-6 all promise God’s constant presence and support, reinforcing the truth that God’s faithfulness endures through every circumstance. 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us of God’s patient timing, assuring us that His promises will be kept.
[Bridge]
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever you would call me
The bridge shifts focus to the Holy Spirit as the guide in this journey of faith. The “Spirit” refers to the Holy Spirit, promised by Jesus to guide believers (John 14:26, John 16:13). “Trust without borders” signifies a complete and limitless faith in God, unconstrained by fear or doubt. The repetition of “walk upon the waters” emphasizes the desire to step out in faith and obedience, wherever God leads.
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Saviour
This section speaks to the transformative power of trials and spiritual growth through deeper experiences with God. “Deeper than my feet could ever wander” suggests a journey beyond our comfort zones, into deeper levels of faith and reliance on God. Trials, though difficult, are presented as opportunities for faith to be strengthened (Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:4-11). The ultimate goal is to grow stronger in faith and draw closer to “my Saviour,” Jesus Christ.
Oh, Jesus, you’re my God!
This powerful declaration, repeated, is the climax of the song, unequivocally affirming Jesus’s divinity. It is a direct statement of worship and theological truth. Numerous scriptures support Jesus’s deity, including Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1, John 20:28, and Philippians 2:5-6. This line solidifies the song’s theological center and worshipful intent.
Note on Repetition:
The bridge’s repetition, while sometimes questioned, serves to build intensity and emphasize the core desires expressed: to be led by the Spirit, to walk in faith, and to deepen one’s relationship with Christ. While excessive repetition can be a concern, in this context, it functions more as a passionate plea and affirmation than a meditative technique akin to Transcendental Meditation. The intent is clearly focused on Christian worship and devotion.
Score: 10/10
3. Interpretation by Outsiders: Accessibility and Clarity
Assessing how those outside the Christian faith might interpret Oceans reveals a nuanced picture. On one hand, the song’s language subtly points to a relationship with Jesus and trust in God. Phrases like “call upon Your name,” “Your grace,” and “my Saviour” carry religious connotations that might be understood within a broader spiritual context. The explicit declaration “Oh, Jesus, you’re my God!” leaves little room for misinterpretation regarding the song’s intended subject within the original version.
However, without prior understanding of Christian theology, some listeners might initially perceive the song as a broadly spiritual or even romantic expression. The themes of being called to something greater, facing fears, and finding rest in someone’s “embrace” could be interpreted in secular ways.
The radio version, which notably omits “Oh, Jesus, you’re my God!”, potentially increases the ambiguity. Without this explicit declaration, the song could more easily be misconstrued as a general song about overcoming challenges with a supportive figure, rather than a clear expression of Christian faith and worship specifically directed towards Jesus Christ. However, focusing on the original version, the presence of this key line significantly clarifies the song’s intent.
Score: 8/10
4. Glorifying God: The Song’s Ultimate Aim
Unambiguously, Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) glorifies God. From its scriptural foundation to its lyrical content declaring Jesus as God and emphasizing trust in His sovereignty and grace, the song’s focus is consistently directed towards God. It inspires worship, encourages faith, and points listeners towards a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. The song’s popularity within Christian worship settings further underscores its effectiveness in leading congregations to glorify God.
Score: 10/10
Closing Reflections
Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong UNITED remains a powerfully resonant worship song years after its release. Its poetic lyrics, deeply rooted in Scripture, continue to inspire faith and encourage believers worldwide. The song effectively uses the metaphor of Peter walking on water to explore themes of trust, obedience, and God’s unwavering presence in the face of fear and uncertainty. It is a theologically sound and emotionally moving piece of contemporary Christian music that successfully glorifies God.
While the radio edit’s omission of the explicit declaration of Jesus’s divinity introduces a degree of ambiguity, the original version of Oceans stands as a strong and clear anthem of Christian faith and worship.
Final Score: 9.5/10
Artist Information
Track: Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) (listen to the song)
Artist: Hillsong UNITED
Album: Zion
Genre: Contemporary Christian Music (CCM), Pop
Release Year: 2013
Duration: 8:55
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*Copyright © 2013 Hillsong Music Publishing (APRA) (adm. in the US and Canada at CapitolCMGPublishing.com). All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Updates:
02/08/2023 – Consistent capitalization of “United” in Hillsong UNITED.
05/07/2021 – Added note encouraging study of Hillsong’s theology, per Artist Theology announcement.
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