The story behind this song is in most ways rather unremarkable. I simply wondered why all of the music coming out of the contemporary church movement seems to be in 4/4 and 6/8 time signatures, with the exception of the occasional 3/4. I understand the challenge much of the western church would have in counting and feeling compound meter, but I couldn’t help wanting to try. So this song is that attempt. It’s written in 5/4 time, but most folks who have sung it haven’t seemed to notice. The surprise for me was the way in which the rhythm led me into the lyric that became the heart of the song.
All we have and all we hope for
All we are and long to be
Finds its fullness in you only
Jesus, you are all we need
You are the song we sing
Are the life we live
Are the light we bring in the darkest night
You’re the light
We are the church you called
Are the souls you saved
Are the bride you bought at the highest price
We’re your bride
All we have and all we hope for
All we are and long to be
Finds its fullness in you only
Jesus, you are all we need
All we need
All we need
We are the slaves you freed
Are the sons you chose
Are the ones you called to become your own
We’re the ones
You are hope we hold
Are the Lord we love
Are the truth we tell with the air we breathe
And we believe
words & music by Mark Beazley
© 2008 Mark Beazley