The Story Behind Lauren Daigle's Hit Song "Thank God I Do" | Lyrics Meaning & Impact

The Story Behind the Song "Thank God I Do"

The powerful and emotional ballad "Thank God I Do" was originally recorded by Christian music artist Lauren Daigle for her 2018 album "Look Up Child." With vulnerable lyrics and Daigle's stunning vocals, this song quickly became a fan favorite and made a huge impact in both Christian and mainstream music.

Lauren Daigle's Journey to Stardom

Born and raised in Louisiana, Daigle grew up singing in church and was heavily involved in the local music scene. She competed on the reality show American Idol in 2012, which helped jumpstart her career. Her first studio album "How Can It Be" was released in 2015 and won a Grammy award, cementing Daigle as a rising star in Christian music.

In the following years, Daigle steadily gained popularity with songs like "Trust in You" and "O'Lord." She broke through to mainstream success with her 2018 single "You Say," which dominated both Christian and pop charts. The immense success of "You Say" set the stage for more crossover appeal with Daigle's album "Look Up Child."

The Lyrics and Meaning of "Thank God I Do"

"Thank God I Do" was co-written by Daigle along with Paul Mabury and Jason Ingram. The emotional piano ballad has deeply personal lyrics about relying on faith during difficult times. In the first verse, Daigle sings about feeling inadequate and making mistakes, but finding solace knowing she can always turn to God.

The chorus centers around the line "Thank God I do, thank God I do have you to run to." This reiterates her gratitude and dependence on God, even when she feels lost or uncertain. The bridge takes on a more hopeful tone, looking ahead to the future:

"My heart's convinced you'll work this all for good, you've proven time and time again. So I will rest in what I know is true, your faithfulness my strength within."

These lyrics showcase Daigle's trust and confidence in God's plan, even amidst life's trials. The song's theme of relying on faith as an anchor resonated powerfully with both Christian and mainstream listeners.

The Song's Musical Impact

"Thank God I Do" was serviced to Christian radio shortly before the release of "Look Up Child" in 2018. It quickly topped the Billboard Christian Airplay chart, spending several weeks at #1. When the full album dropped, "Thank God I Do" helped propel "Look Up Child" to the top of Billboard's Christian Albums chart.

But the song made an even bigger splash in the mainstream market. "Thank God I Do" reached #96 on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart, giving Daigle another Top 100 crossover hit. It also peaked at #10 on the Adult Pop Songs airplay chart, showing the song's widespread appeal.

In 2019, "Thank God I Do" was nominated for Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year at the Dove Awards, which recognizes outstanding achievement in Christian and gospel music. The emotional ballad had clearly left its mark as one of Daigle's signature songs.

The Violin Cover Version Goes Viral

As "Thank God I Do" continued to touch listeners, many musicians began covering the song and putting their own spin on it. In late 2020, a violin instrumental version went viral on TikTok, garnering over 180,000 likes.

The cover was recorded by Florida-based violinist and singer Jocelyn Michelle, known for her creative violin interpretations of popular songs. Her take on "Thank God I Do" starts off with gentle, haunting violin melodies over a simple piano backing. The violin takes on Daigle's soaring vocal lines, conveying the emotion and poignancy of the original.

This sparse arrangement lets the violin shine and demonstrate the melodic power of the song itself. Jocelyn Michelle's cover struck a chord with TikTok users, especially those who already loved Daigle's version. Her violin mastery gave the song a new depth and beauty.

Why the Song Connects

From Daigle's original recording to the viral violin cover, there are several reasons why "Thank God I Do" has resonated so strongly with listeners across musical and faith backgrounds:

• Raw, vulnerable lyrics - The honest words about struggles and relying on faith are universally relatable.
• Powerful, emotional vocals - Daigle's incredible voice lends even more weight to the meaningful lyrics.
• Uplifting message - The theme of hope and trusting in God provides comfort and encouragement.
• Melodic piano and strings - The instrumental arrangement pulls you into the song.
• Crossover appeal - The song blends Christian lyrics with a pop/singer-songwriter musical style.

For fans, "Thank God I Do" is the perfect combination of uplifting lyrics, vocal talent, musicality, and spiritual depth. The song's themes of perseverance through faith and hope provide a light during dark times - a message that resonates now more than ever.

The Lasting Significance

Years after its release, "Thank God I Do" remains a fan-favorite and career-defining song for Lauren Daigle. It exemplifies her talent for fusing contemporary Christian music with catchy, accessible melodies and powerful lyrics. The song also proved her ability to succeed in both Christian and mainstream music markets simultaneously.

Beyond Daigle's career, "Thank God I Do" had a major impact as a faith-based message of hope. During times of hardship and uncertainty, this uplifting ballad encourages listeners to seek comfort and strength through spirituality. The song touched many lives through its themes of gratitude and reliance on a higher power to get through life's trials.

"Thank God I Do" cemented Daigle's status as the voice of modern Christian music and demonstrated the universality of spiritual music messages. For years to come, fans both Christian and secular will continue turning to this song for its cathartic melody, emotion, and inspirational lyrics.

FAQs

What inspired Lauren Daigle to write "Thank God I Do"?

The song was born out of a difficult period in Daigle's life when she was dealing with feelings of loneliness and inadequacy. During this time, she relied heavily on her faith which inspired the grateful lyrics about having God to turn to.

What genre is the song?

"Thank God I Do" falls under the genre of contemporary Christian music, but also contains influences of pop and singer-songwriter styles. This crossover sound allowed it to find mainstream success.

How did the song perform on the charts?

It reached #1 on Billboard's Christian Airplay chart and cracked the Top 100 on the mainstream Hot 100 chart. It became Daigle's second Top 100 crossover hit behind "You Say."

Who did the viral violin cover of it?

The widely popular violin cover version that went viral on TikTok was done by violinist and singer Jocelyn Michelle from Florida.

What is the central message of the song?

The core message is about turning to faith and trusting in God's plan even during difficult times. The chorus centers around gratitude for always having God to rely on.