This Is The Kingdom

Album: Lion (2022)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "This Is The Kingdom" is a worship song about the Kingdom of God and the blessing of those who seek it.
  • Houseflies lead singer Pat Barrett performs lead vocals. Barrett co-wrote "This Is The Kingdom" with Elevation Church worship leader Chris Brown, Elevation lead pastor Steven Furtick and CCM songwriter/producer Jason Ingram (Brandon Heath's "Give Me Your Eyes," Lauren Daigle's "You Say").
  • Brown, Furtick, Ingram and Barrett took the two verses directly from The Beatitudes, eight blessings recounted by Jesus at the start of his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5: 3-10). The bridge references another part of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:33:

    But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
  • Elevation Worship recorded "This Is The Kingdom" for their 10th live album, Lion. They released "This Is the Kingdom" as a promotional single from the record on February 18, 2022.
  • The 10-minute-long song spills over into another four-and-half-minute track, "This Is the Kingdom (Flow)," filled with more spontaneous, free-flowing worship.

    "Pat carries this song so personally that it's hands down one of my favorite tracks on the album," said Chris Brown. "It was a beautiful moment the night of the recording and I'm happy that everyone gets to experience all 14 powerful minutes."
  • Other songs inspired by Jesus' eight blessings in The Beatitudes include:

    Howard Goodall's modern exploration of ancient chant, "Enchanted Voices."

    Stone Roses' Ian Brown's solo track "Crowning Of The Poor"

    Kendrick Lamar's contributions to the U2 Songs of Experience tracks " American Soul" and "Get Out of Your Own Way.

    Fanny Crosby and Phoebe Knapp's timeless hymn "Blessed Assurance " is based on the Beatitude "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Weezer

WeezerFact or Fiction

Did Rivers Cuomo grow up on a commune? Why did they name their albums after colors? See how well you know your Weezer in this Fact or Fiction.

90s Music Quiz 1

90s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

First question: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson appeared in videos for what artist?

Kristian Bush of Sugarland

Kristian Bush of SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Kristian talks songwriting technique, like how the chorus should redefine the story, and how to write a song backwards.

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)Songwriter Interviews

Mike Rutherford talks about the "Silent Running" storyline and "Land Of Confusion" in the age of Trump.

Jimmy Webb

Jimmy WebbSongwriter Interviews

Webb talks about his classic songs "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," "Wichita Lineman" and "MacArthur Park."

Ron and Russell Mael of Sparks

Ron and Russell Mael of SparksSongwriter Interviews

The men of Sparks on their album Hippopotamus, and how Morrissey handled it when they suggested he lighten up.