Above All

Jonathan Anderson • September 29, 2025

“Above All” is a worship song that lifts our eyes to the greatness of Christ and the depth of His love. It speaks of a Savior who is exalted above creation, kings, and wisdom — yet chose to suffer and die for us. It’s a song of awe and humility, reminding us that Jesus placed our salvation above all else, even His own life.

The Story Behind the Hymn

This song was written in 1999 by Paul Baloche and Lenny LeBlanc, two worship leaders and songwriters known for creating music that draws people closer to God. Paul Baloche said the lyrics came from meditating on the idea that Jesus is not just above all — He went beneath all for our sake. Though He had every right to stay on the throne, He chose the cross.


“Above All” quickly became one of the most well-known worship songs in modern churches, especially during Easter or communion services. Its blend of majesty and sacrifice resonated with believers worldwide.


What Makes It Powerful

What makes this song powerful is its contrast. It declares Christ’s greatness — above powers, thrones, nature — then shifts to His humility: crucified, laid behind a stone, rejected and alone. It invites both worship and reflection, helping us see that the One who holds the universe also carried our sin.


A perfect verse to pair with this hymn is Philippians 2:8–9 (NIV):

He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name…

That’s the heart of this song: Jesus is above all, and still, He gave everything.


My Violin Cover

When I arranged “Above All” for violin, I wanted to balance beauty and reverence. The melody naturally carries emotion, and I let it rise gently — not to overwhelm, but to draw the heart into worship. It’s a song that speaks for itself, and I let the violin simply echo the message.


With Violin Hymns, my goal is always to serve the spirit of the hymn. This one called for gentleness, awe, and deep thankfulness.


Listen and Reflect

The video is below. As you listen, remember the One who created all things — and chose the cross. Let your heart be still in worship. You took the fall, and thought of me — above all.

Lyrics


Above all powers, Above all kings 

Above all nature and all created things 

Above all wisdom and all the ways of man

 You were here before the world began

 Above all kingdoms, Above all thrones

 Above all wonders the world has ever known

 Above all wealth and treasures of the earth 

There's no way to measure what You're worth


Crucified! Laid behind the stone. 

You lived to die Rejected and alone

Like a rose trampled on the ground

You took the fall And thought of me

Above all

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