
Goodness of God Lyrics – Full Chords Meaning and Story
“Goodness of God” stands as one of the most recognizable contemporary worship songs of the past decade. Released by Bethel Music in 2019, the track features Jenn Johnson delivering lyrics that emphasize divine faithfulness through personal testimony and Scripture-based imagery.
The composition emerged during a prolific period for the California-based worship collective, appearing on their album “Victory”. Since its release, congregations worldwide have adopted the song for regular worship rotation, while individual performers have generated millions of views through tutorial and cover videos available on official channels.
The complete lyrics, musical structure, and background of the song based on verified sources including official distribution channels and music documentation platforms follow below.
What Are the Full Lyrics to Goodness of God?
Key Details
- CCLI registration number 7117726
- Scriptural foundations in Psalm 40:9-11, Exodus 33:19, and Psalm 146:2
- Ultimate Guitar user rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on over 5,400 ratings
- Standard tempo of 63 beats per minute
- Featured on Bethel Music’s 2019 studio album “Victory”
- Covered by CeCe Winans in live worship sessions
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Artist | Bethel Music featuring Jenn Johnson |
| Album | “Victory” (2019) |
| Original Key | Ab Major |
| Tempo | 63 BPM |
| CCLI Number | 7117726 |
| Primary Scripture | Psalm 40:9-11 |
| Secondary Scripture | Exodus 33:19, Psalm 146:2 |
| Ultimate Guitar Rating | 4.9/5 (5,400+ votes) |
| Notable Cover Artist | CeCe Winans |
| Genre | Contemporary Worship |
Complete Lyrics
Verse 1
I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
I will sing of the goodness of God
Chorus
All my life You have been faithful
All my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
I will sing of the goodness of God
Verse 2
I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In darkest night You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a father
I’ve known You as a friend
I have lived in the goodness of God
Bridge
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now, I give You everything
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
Lyrics sourced from official chord chart databases and verified against Worship Together documentation.
Who Sings Goodness of God and Who Wrote It?
Jenn Johnson performs the lead vocals on Bethel Music’s official recording. Johnson, a founding member of Bethel Music alongside her husband Brian Johnson, has been instrumental in shaping the collective’s sound since its inception. Her vocal delivery on this track emphasizes the intimate, declarative nature of the lyrics.
CeCe Winans also recorded a notable version of the song, performing it in live worship sessions and including it in her repertoire. Winans, a veteran gospel artist with multiple Grammy awards, brought a distinct soulful interpretation to the composition while maintaining the original lyrical structure.
The song resulted from collaboration between established worship songwriters Ed Cash, Ben Fielding, Jason Ingram, and Jenn Johnson. Cash is known for his production work and songwriting with multiple Christian artists, while Fielding has written extensively for Hillsong Worship. Ingram is a prolific songwriter and producer in the contemporary Christian music industry. You can read the full story and chords for the song “Goodness of God” at Cradle of Filth kiista Ed Sheeran.
What Are the Chords for Goodness of God?
The original recording sits in the key of Ab Major at 63 beats per minute. For guitarists, the most common arrangement uses a capo on the first fret, allowing players to use G chord shapes while maintaining the original key. This approach accommodates open chord voicings that many worship guitarists prefer.
The foundational progression follows these patterns:
- Verse: G – C – G – Em – C – D
- Chorus: C – G – D – Em – C – D – G
- Bridge: G – C – D – G (repeating), concluding with G – C – D – Em
A more detailed chart reveals additional nuance for instrumentalists:
Intro: | G | Gsus4 | G |
Verse: | G | C | G D/F# | Em C | D |
Chorus: | C | G | C | G D | C | G D/F# Em | C D | G |
Bridge: | G/B C | D G | (repeat)
Comprehensive chord diagrams and transpositions are tabulated on Ultimate Guitar, while simplified beginner arrangements are available for entry-level musicians. Video tutorials demonstrating finger positioning appear on instructional channels.
While capo 1 maintains the original key of Ab Major using G shapes, some tutorials recommend capo 3 for vocal ranges that require transposition to Bb, or using the original voicings for piano-led arrangements.
What Is the Meaning and Story Behind Goodness of God?
The song’s text centers on the concept of divine goodness as an active, pursuing force rather than a passive attribute. The bridge specifically declares that God’s goodness “is running after” the believer, portraying faithfulness as relentless and personal.
Imagery throughout the verses references dual relational aspects of deity: the transcendent (“led me through the fire”) and the intimate (“I’ve known You as a friend”). This dichotomy reflects a theological perspective that embraces both the majesty and accessibility of the divine.
The writers incorporated direct Scriptural allusions, particularly from the Psalms and Exodus, grounding personal testimony in biblical narrative. The phrase “I will sing of the goodness of God” functions as both a promise and a confession, fitting the song into the testimonial worship tradition.
The lyrics draw directly from Psalm 40:9-11, which speaks of God’s mercy and faithfulness, and Exodus 33:19, where God proclaims His goodness. The bridge’s declaration that “goodness is running after me” reflects a personal interpretation of divine pursuit found in Psalm 23 and related texts.
When Was Goodness of God Released and How Did It Spread?
- 2018: Song written by Cash, Fielding, Ingram, and Johnson during collaborative composition sessions.
- 2019: Official release on Bethel Music’s album “Victory”, featuring Jenn Johnson on lead vocals.
- July 2019: Tutorial videos begin appearing on video platforms, including female-key versions that garnered significant viewership.
- 2021: CeCe Winans’ live cover version gains significant traction in worship communities, introducing the song to broader gospel audiences.
- Present: Continues as a staple in contemporary worship rotations with widespread streaming across music platforms.
What Facts Are Certain About Goodness of God?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Released in 2019 on Victory album | Exact first draft completion date in 2018 |
| Written by Ed Cash, Ben Fielding, Jason Ingram, Jenn Johnson | Specific award nomination details beyond user ratings |
| CCLI number 7117726 officially registered | Precise global streaming statistics (sources cite hundreds of millions without specific verification) |
| Scripture references: Psalm 40:9-11, Exodus 33:19, Psalm 146:2 | Whether Brian Johnson contributed to writing (some documentation lists him, others do not) |
| Ultimate Guitar rating of 4.9/5 based on 5,400+ ratings | Exact date of CeCe Winans first live performance |
What Is the Broader Worship Context of Goodness of God?
Bethel Music, based in Redding, California, has established a significant presence in contemporary Christian worship since the early 2000s. Their catalog emphasizes intimate, declarative lyrics that often blend personal testimony with Scriptural declarations. “Goodness of God” fits this tradition, offering churches a mid-tempo anthem suitable for congregational singing that focuses on God’s character rather than emotional response.
The song’s structure—building from quiet verses to a repetitive, declarative bridge—follows the modern worship arc designed for live participation. This approach has defined much of the genre’s output over the past decade, moving toward songs that function as corporate prayers set to accessible melodies.
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What Do Primary Sources Confirm About Goodness of God?
“Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me”
— Bridge lyrics as documented by Worship Together and PNW Chords
“I love You, Lord, for Your mercy never fails me”
— Opening lines of Verse 1, cited in official chord charts
Why Does Goodness of God Continue to Resonate?
The song maintains its position in worship rotations through its straightforward message of divine faithfulness and accessible musical structure. By combining Scriptural foundations with personal narrative, it bridges corporate liturgy and individual devotion. Musicians appreciate the adaptable chord progression that accommodates various skill levels, while congregations respond to the repetitive, affirming declarations in the bridge.
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Common Questions About Goodness of God
What CCLI number is assigned to Goodness of God?
The song is registered under CCLI number 7117726, allowing churches to report usage for licensing compliance.
Is there a piano tutorial available for this song?
Multiple piano tutorials exist on platforms including YouTube, with some specifically focusing on the chord progression in the key of Ab Major or transposed to G.
Does CeCe Winans use the same lyrics as Bethel Music?
CeCe Winans performs the same core lyrics with potential minor variations in live arrangements, maintaining the original structure of verses, chorus, and bridge.
What tempo should this song be played at?
The recorded version maintains approximately 63 beats per minute, though live performances may vary slightly based on congregational response.
Which Bible verses inspired the lyrics?
The primary references include Psalm 40:9-11, Exodus 33:19, and Psalm 146:2, focusing on themes of God’s mercy and faithfulness.
Can this song be played with simplified four-chord progression?
Yes, many guitar tutorials demonstrate simplified versions using G, C, D, and Em chords with a capo, making it accessible for beginner worship musicians.