It’s one of the most popular and beloved worship songs of all time, touching millions of listeners since its 2013 release and sung every week in thousands of churches across the earth.
Based on the New Testament account of Jesus calling Peter to joining Him in walking on the Sea of Galilee, “Oceans” has resonated with individuals from every culture and all walks of life. Stepping Out: The Story of Oceans was filmed in Israel and features Joel Houston, one of the composers, Taya Smith, whose unmistakeable voice popularized the song, and other members of Hillsong United sharing how “Oceans” was written and recorded, and how it has personally impacted them. “It’s really a song about stepping into the unknown,” explained Joel Houston, “about faith and raw trust in God.”
Matt Crouch noted that “sooner or later every one of us finds ourselves in the ‘deep waters’ of life that require total dependence upon God’s mercy and grace. That’s what has made this worship song so relatable to so many people. We’re thrilled to have Joel Houston and the folks from Hillsong United with us to talk about this song’s global impact.”
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand
And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You’ve never failed and You won’t start now
So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
Yeah
Oh Jesus yeah, my God
I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine