Matt Redman's King Jesus: Chords & Lyrics

Hey guys! Today we're diving deep into one of Matt Redman's awesome worship anthems, "King Jesus." This song is such a powerful declaration of who Jesus is – our sovereign King, our hope, and our salvation. If you're looking to understand the chords and lyrics to this incredible track, you've come to the right place! We're going to break it all down so you can sing it, play it, and truly soak in its meaning.

Understanding the Core Message of "King Jesus"

Before we even get to the chords and lyrics, let's chat about what makes "King Jesus" so special. This song is all about exalting Jesus Christ as the supreme ruler of our lives and of all creation. Matt Redman has a gift for crafting worship songs that are both theologically rich and incredibly accessible, and "King Jesus" is a prime example. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Jesus' authority, his triumphant reign, and the peace and security we find in him. It's not just a song; it's a declaration of faith. When we sing "King Jesus," we're actively proclaiming that He is Lord over every aspect of our existence. Think about the implications of that! It means He's in charge of our joys, our struggles, our plans, and our uncertainties. This isn't a passive acknowledgment; it's an active surrender. The song builds this incredible momentum, drawing us into a deeper understanding of His majesty. It reminds us that no matter what's happening in the world or in our personal lives, Jesus remains enthroned. It's a message of comfort and strength, a reminder that we are not alone and that our hope is firmly anchored in Him. The power of this song lies in its ability to shift our focus from our circumstances to the unchanging reality of God's sovereignty. It encourages us to lift our voices in unified worship, acknowledging His supreme worth. So, as we go through the lyrics and chords, keep this core message at the forefront of your mind: Jesus is King, and His reign is eternal. It's this profound truth that underpins every note and every word, making "King Jesus" a timeless worship classic that continues to inspire and uplift countless people around the globe. It truly is a song that resonates with the heart of worship, calling us to a deeper reverence and a more profound trust in the One who holds all authority.

"King Jesus" - Key Chords and Progression

Alright, let's get our instruments ready, whether you're a guitarist, pianist, or ukulele player! "King Jesus" generally follows a pretty common and accessible chord progression, which makes it a great song for learning and for corporate worship. The song often centers around the key of G Major. You'll find yourself frequently moving between chords like G, C, D, and Em. This is a classic "I-IV-V-vi" progression in G (G-C-D-Em), which is super versatile and sounds great.

Verse Progression

The verses usually kick off with a strong foundation, often starting on the G Major chord. You'll likely hear a pattern like:

• G - C - G - D

This simple yet effective progression creates a sense of movement and anticipation, drawing you into the narrative of the lyrics. The G Major grounds us, the C Major offers a slight lift, and the D Major provides a strong pull back towards the tonic (G) or on towards the next section. It’s a progression that feels both familiar and uplifting. Think about how the G chord feels solid and foundational, like the unchanging nature of God. Then the C chord comes in, perhaps representing the unfolding of His promises or the breadth of His creation. The D chord is the dominant chord, always wanting to resolve back to G, mirroring our natural desire to return to Him in worship and obedience. It's this interplay between stability and movement that makes the verse engaging. Sometimes, you might find a D/F# (D chord with an F# in the bass) thrown in, which adds a nice melodic bass line movement and a bit more harmonic richness leading back to G.

Pre-Chorus and Chorus Progression

This is where the energy really starts to build! The pre-chorus and especially the chorus of "King Jesus" often use a slightly more dynamic progression to lift the praise. A common pattern you'll hear is:

• Em - C - G - D

This is the "vi-IV-I-V" progression. Starting on the Em (E minor) adds a touch of introspection or builds tension before the powerful release of the chorus. Then you move through C Major, G Major, and finally the D Major which powerfully leads back into the G for the start of the chorus or next verse. The Em often feels like acknowledging our need or the weight of sin, but then the movement through C, G, and D lifts us up to the glorious reign of Christ. The Chorus, in particular, needs to feel anthemic, and this progression absolutely delivers. The lift from the C to G, and then the strong resolution provided by the D chord into the G is perfect for declaring "King Jesus!" The minor chord at the start (Em) can signify the struggle or the brokenness of the world that only a King like Jesus can conquer. As the chords move to the majors (C and G), it represents the victory and the establishment of His kingdom. The D chord acts as the triumphant fanfare, leading us directly into the powerful declaration of His kingship.

Bridge and Outro

The bridge often offers a moment of reflection or a slightly different perspective, and the chords might shift subtly or emphasize certain chords. You might see progressions that explore C - G - D - G or variations like C - D - G - Em. The outro typically returns to the main theme, often fading out on the G Major chord, reinforcing the eternal reign of Jesus. The bridge is a fantastic opportunity to really lean into the lyrics and let the message sink in. The shift in chord progression, even if subtle, can help to emphasize a particular theological point or emotional state being expressed. For instance, focusing on C and D might highlight God's faithfulness and power, leading back to the comforting assurance of G. The outro is the final affirmation, the lingering thought that His kingship is forever. It’s like a final, peaceful nod to His everlasting rule.

"King Jesus" - Lyrical Breakdown

Now, let's unpack the powerful words Matt Redman uses to describe Jesus. The lyrics in "King Jesus" are designed to be sung with conviction and heartfelt adoration.

Verse 1: Setting the Scene

The song often starts by painting a picture of Jesus' identity and authority. You might hear lines like:

• "There is a name above all names"
• "The Son of God, the great I Am"

These lines immediately establish Jesus' divine nature and supreme position. They aren't just poetic phrases; they are direct theological statements that root the song in biblical truth. "There is a name above all names" directly echoes Philippians 2:9, which speaks of Jesus being exalted and given a name that is above every name. "The Son of God, the great I Am" points to His unique relationship with the Father and His divine self-revelation, as seen in John 8:58.

Pre-Chorus: Building Anticipation

The pre-chorus often builds tension and anticipation, leading into the powerful chorus. It might include lines that acknowledge our response to His kingship:

• "All creation will declare"
• "Your worthy praise"

This section shifts the focus to the universal recognition of Christ's authority. It’s the prelude to the main declaration, suggesting that the response to Jesus' kingship is inevitable and all-encompassing. The idea of all creation declaring His praise is a biblical concept found throughout scripture, from the Psalms to Revelation, emphasizing the cosmic scope of God's rule.

Chorus: The Central Declaration

This is the heart of the song, where the title and main theme are most powerfully expressed. Expect lines like:

• "King Jesus, King Jesus"
• "You reign forever"
• "Our Savior, our hope, our everything"

Here, the name "King Jesus" is proclaimed boldly. The lyrics emphasize His unending reign and His multifaceted role in our lives – Savior, hope, and ultimately, our everything. This is the crescendo, the moment of ultimate praise and surrender. It’s a direct affirmation of His lordship and His sufficiency for all our needs. The repetition of "King Jesus" isn't just for emphasis; it's an act of worship, driving home the truth we are singing about.

Bridge: Deeper Reflection

The bridge often offers a moment for deeper reflection or a theological expansion. It might touch on His sacrifice, His resurrection, or His future return:

• "You conquered death upon the cross"
• "And rose again to set us free"

This section provides a reminder of the foundational acts of salvation – the atoning sacrifice and the victorious resurrection. It highlights why He is worthy to be called King: He paid the ultimate price and overcame death itself. This grounds the declaration of His kingship in the historical and cosmic events of redemption. It reminds us that His reign isn't just a title; it's a victory won on our behalf.

Outro: Lingering Praise

The outro often repeats the main refrain or a key phrase, leaving a lasting impression of His eternal kingship:

• "King Jesus, forevermore"

This brings the song to a close, but the message lingers. It's a final, gentle reminder that His reign knows no end. It’s the perfect way to conclude a song that calls us to acknowledge and worship the eternal King.

Putting It All Together: Playing and Singing "King Jesus"

So, how do you bring "King Jesus" to life? It's all about feeling the flow between the chords and letting the lyrics resonate. When you're playing, focus on making the transitions smooth, especially during the chorus where the energy should be high. Use a strumming pattern that feels natural and uplifting. For acoustic guitar, a simple down-down-up-up-down-up pattern often works well, but feel free to adapt it to suit the song's dynamics.

• On the verses, keep it a bit more subdued, letting the lyrics tell the story. You can strum a bit lighter or even fingerpick if that fits your style.
• As you move into the pre-chorus, start to build the intensity. Strum a little more firmly and perhaps increase your tempo slightly.
• The chorus is where you want to unleash the praise! Strum with conviction, making sure the chords ring out clearly. This is the peak of the song's energy.
• The bridge can be a moment to pull back slightly again, allowing the lyrical message to be heard clearly, before building back up into the final chorus or outro.

When singing, don't be afraid to pour your heart into it! "King Jesus" is a song of declaration. Sing out with confidence, believing the words you are singing. It’s about more than just hitting the right notes; it’s about worship. Imagine you are standing before the King Himself, declaring His majesty. Let that feeling guide your vocal delivery. The repetition in the chorus is designed for congregational singing, so don't be shy – join in and let your voice be part of the collective declaration of His kingship. Whether you're playing solo or with a band, the goal is to create an atmosphere of worship that honors Jesus. Remember to listen to the original recording by Matt Redman to get a feel for the song's dynamics and emotional arc. It's a great way to internalize the song's spirit and translate that into your own performance.

Why "King Jesus" Resonates

What is it about "King Jesus" that makes it such a powerful worship song? I think it's the clarity and the comprehensiveness of its message. In a world that can often feel chaotic and uncertain, the declaration that Jesus is King offers a profound sense of stability and truth. It’s a reminder that despite everything, God is in control, and His plans are sovereign. The lyrics are biblical, the melody is memorable, and the chord progression is accessible, making it a perfect song for churches and individuals alike.

This song doesn't just tell us that Jesus is King; it unpacks what that means for us. He's not a distant ruler; He's our Savior, our hope, and our everything. This personal connection is crucial. It transforms a grand theological statement into a deeply personal declaration of faith and reliance. The song empowers us to surrender our worries and trust in His perfect rule. It calls us to a posture of worship, acknowledging His ultimate authority over all things. It's this blend of cosmic truth and personal application that makes "King Jesus" a timeless anthem of faith. It reminds us that our worship isn't just about singing nice words; it's about acknowledging the reality of who God is and His rightful place in our lives. It's a call to align our hearts and lives with His divine reign. So, keep singing, keep playing, and keep declaring, "King Jesus!" He truly is worthy of all our praise, forever and ever. It’s a song that invites us to step out of our small concerns and into the grand narrative of God’s eternal kingdom, finding our place within His glorious plan. The simplicity of the title belies the depth of its meaning, offering a constant invitation to renewed worship and deeper trust in the One who reigns supreme.