Why We Sing

Kirk Franklin's song 'Why We Sing' delves into the profound reasons behind the act of singing, particularly in a religious context. The song opens with a question that many might ponder: why do people sing, especially in moments of worship? Franklin answers this by highlighting the emotional and spiritual connections that singing fosters. When people lift their hands to Jesus, it's not just a physical act but a deep expression of faith and gratitude. The lyrics suggest that singing can be a form of prayer, a way to communicate with the divine, and an expression of inner joy and freedom.

The song also touches on the emotional spectrum that singing can encompass. Franklin notes that sometimes people sing even when they are crying, indicating that singing can be a way to process and express a wide range of emotions. The line 'I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free' encapsulates the idea that singing is a natural response to feelings of happiness and liberation. The reference to 'His eye is on the sparrow' is a biblical allusion, suggesting that just as God watches over the sparrow, He also watches over us, providing a sense of security and care that prompts the act of singing.

As the song progresses, Franklin emphasizes that the act of singing is not just a performance but a genuine expression of faith. The repeated 'Glory, Hallelujah' serves as a reminder that the ultimate reason for singing is to give praise to God. The song concludes with a vision of eternal worship, where singing continues even after life’s trials are over. This idea is encapsulated in the imagery of crossing a river to a place where 'we will sing our songs to Jesus, the one that we adore,' suggesting a heavenly realm where worship is everlasting.