Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)

Album: Zion (2013)
Charted: 83
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song by the Australian worship band Hillsong United tells the story, as recounted in Matthew 14 v22-33, of Peter being called by Jesus to walk on the water. The disciple did so, but temporarily lost faith and started to sink, so he was forced to call on Jesus to rescue him. According to Hillsong it's, "about stepping into the unknown and a song about faith and trust."

    For another song with a similar theme, check out Britt Nicole's "Walk on the Water."
  • The vocalist is Taya Smith, a newcomer to the Hillsong team. She sang the whole song in one take.
  • This debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 dated February 2014. It wasn't the first Hillsong song to reach the US singles chart – a version of Darlene Zschech's "Shout to the Lord" was performed by the by the remaining eight contestants of American Idol and a gospel choir on the reality singing show in 2008 and debuted at #43 on the Hot 100 the following week.
  • This won Song of the Year at the 2014 Gospel Music Association's Dove Awards. Hillsong United took five honors in total at the ceremony, including artist of the year.
  • The song spent a record-breaking 45 straight weeks at #1 on Billboard's Hot Christian Songs survey until it was bumped from the summit by Carrie Underwood's "Something in the Water." The previous best had been Mercy Me's "Word of God Speak," which spent 23 weeks at #1 in 2003. "Oceans" spent 61 non-consecutive weeks in total at the top of the chart.

    Their record was superseded by Lauren Daigle's "You Say," which spent its 62nd week at #1 on the chart dated October 5, 2019.
  • Before stepping into the ring for his April 22, 2023, bout against Gervonta "Tank" Davis, lightweight fighter Ryan Garcia used "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)," as his walkout music. This choice caused an uproar among fans who were surprised by the selection, as well as new listeners who were unfamiliar with the track.

    Despite Garcia's defeat, "Oceans" emerged victorious in terms of streaming numbers. The song saw a healthy 56% increase in daily streams the following day.

Comments: 5

  • Lw Oct 2023 from The Uki have just discovered this song, and it moves me to floods of tears each time i listen to it. it moves me in such a big way, especially the live Taya Smith version. so very moving i wish i could explain the feeling.
  • Vera Muloongo from ZambiaThe song is a blessing and will heal me
  • Friday Murphy from Fct, Abuja When ever I listen to ocean song I fall deep in spirit
  • Tongle Ibrahim John from Kaduna State, Nigeria.I'm blessed whenever I listen to oceans. It's keeps me connected to Jesus and lifts my spirit to worship.
  • Anonymous from Zambiayou song makes me feel heaven
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Mick Jones of Foreigner

Mick Jones of ForeignerSongwriter Interviews

Foreigner's songwriter/guitarist tells the stories behind the songs "Juke Box Hero," "I Want To Know What Love Is," and many more.

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Heaven And Hell

Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Heaven And HellSongwriter Interviews

Guitarist Tony Iommi on the "Iron Man" riff, the definitive Black Sabbath song, and how Ozzy and Dio compared as songwriters.

Daryl Hall

Daryl HallSongwriter Interviews

Daryl Hall's TV show is a hit, and he's been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - only one of these developments excites him.

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.