Understanding Hillsong United's This I Believe
The song "This I Believe" by Hillsong United appears on their 2011 album "We Are Not Alone." It's a straightforward worship track written by Reuben Morgan and Joel Houston. The lyrics focus on declaring faith in God's character through trials and uncertainty. If you're looking for the full text, searching for This I Believe Lyrics Hillsong will get you to multiple lyric sites, though not all of them are accurate. Here's the core structure of the song. The verses establish the theme: Verse 1:
I believe in You, Father / I believe in Your power / I believe that You alone / Are worthy of my praise Chorus: This I believe, this I believe / This I believe, my God / I will hold on, I will hold on / To the promises You've spoke / This I believe, this I believe / This I believe, my God
The bridge reinforces the commitment motif. I've led congregations singing this many times, and the arrangement is designed for group participation. The melody sits in a comfortable range for most voices, which is why it shows up in so many worship setlists.
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I ran into an issue once when preparing for a service where someone wanted to project the lyrics on a screen. The official lyric sheets available online had slightly different wording depending on the source. One site had "I believe in Your faithfulness" while another read "I believe in Your promises." The actual recorded version uses phrasing that matches the album, and the copyright holder is Hillsong Music Publishing. If you're creating projections or printed materials, cross-reference with the official lyric sheet from the Hillsong website or your church's music licensing provider. Using incorrect lyrics on a projection screen is embarrassing and distracting. Another thing people miss: the song sits in the key of G major in the original recording, which translates to a comfortable range for congregational singing. If you're transposing it, be aware that going too high makes the chorus feel strained after the second verse. I usually keep it at G or A for most of our services. Going up to Bb is pushing it for a typical congregation. The tempo is approximately 72 BPM, which gives it a measured, deliberate feel. That's intentional. The slow pace means every word carries weight, but it also means the song can drag if the band isn't locked in. I've seen bands rush through this because it feels like a ballad, but the groove should remain steady and unhurried. The bridge builds naturally if you let it — don't add extra dynamics just because the arrangement seems sparse. The minimal instrumentation is the point.
If you need the audio for reference while learning it, the official recording is available on streaming platforms. YouTube has the official video as well. For chord charts, check CCLI or your church's licensed music library rather than relying on fan-made tabs. The chords are simple — mostly G, D, Em, C progressions — but the exact voicings and transitions matter if you're trying to match the feel of the record. I should mention that not every church finds this song works well in their context. The lyrical content is declarative and personal, which resonates with some congregations and feels overly individualistic to others. If your church tends toward more corporate or covenantal language in worship, you might want to pair it with songs that emphasize the communal aspect of faith. Standing alone, it can feel like a solo performance disguised as a congregation sing. The song has a runtime of approximately 4 minutes and 30 seconds. That's standard for a worship ballad. It's not long enough to lose people, but it's long enough that you need the band committed to the dynamic arc from start to finish. A rushed performance of this song completely undermines what the lyrics are trying to say.