A song of hope and encouragement! Sung in accordance with the songs of Ascent written and sung by the Israelites during their pilgrimage to Jerusalem, when they ascended Mount Zion and climbed the steps of the Jerusalem temple. This was after years of being in slavery and captivity.
What does the song “Highlands” mean?
The Highlands song of Ascent is based on religious themes, particularly within the Christian context of believers, and it is considered to be a praise song. In addition to that, It is considered a song of salvation for a lost and sinful man, which is necessary to avoid eternal condemnation.
In this case, therefore, the highlands song is an ode of praise for all singers where they acknowledge God even when they are faced with hard circumstances in the journey of salvation.
What is the meaning behind the song “Highlands” (Song of Ascent)?
The idea of Highlands (Song of Ascend) was incubated when Joel Houston was hit with a mid-life crisis situation. As he was in the process of just trying to figure out the next steps in his own life, the Highlands lyrics came about.
The song talks about the ever-present faithfulness and love of God even when one feels unworthy of such love. Showing the willingness of believers to go through challenging situations in search of God’s grace which they acknowledge is easy to find.
In the mountains, on the hills, in the valley of death, and in heartaches, this song is a true reminder that God is always present in all hardships directing his own according to his unending mercies.
The Highlands (Song of Ascent) is enjoyed by people of all generations. Both the young and old.
Facts About Highlands (Song of Ascend)
- The Highlands song was written by Hillsong United members Joel Houston and Benjamin Hastings.
- The song of Ascent was produced by Joel Houston and Michael Guy Chillet.
- This song was recorded live in Sydney, Australia, at the Hillsong worship and creative conference.
- The Highlands song was officially released on 26th April 2019.
- The song was a live record.
- It is the 8th track in the 14th People (Live) Hillsong album.
Hillsong United: Everything You Need To Know
Hillsong is an Australian megachurch with global fans everywhere. They are mainly producers of contemporary modern Christian music, with a massive and decent crowd of followers who cherish their live recorded songs.
The Hillsong United team was first formed in 1983 in Sydney, Australia, at Hillsong Church. Considered to be of the main writers of Christian praise and worship songs, Hillsong United has produced some of the most famous songs globally, like “What a beautiful name” and “Highlands (Song of Ascent).”
The core founders of Hillsong United are Brian and Boobie Houston, who are the current global senior pastors of the Hillsong church.
From its conception in 1983, Hillsong United has produced 14 live albums, which include:
- A Beautiful Exchange (2010)
- Spirit and Truth (1988)
- The Same Skies (2021)
- Let There Be Light (2016)
- Blessed (2002)
As of 2020, Hillsong United received the following awards:
- Grammy Award
- Dove Award
- The appearance of the top 200 Christian songs on Billboard charts
Apart from that, Hillsong United is known for recording its songs with; Hillsong music, Sony music, Columbia record, Epic records, Sparrow records, and Integrity music.
What is “Highlands” about
The song “Highlands” is all about the Christian’s journey of faith with God through all the highs and lows of life. As the song says, ‘This faith of ours is a climb, but we are not in it alone.”
This song serves as an important reminder to all Christians that God does not change simply because of the different circumstances or seasons Christians go through in their daily lives.
The “Highlands” song emphasizes that God deserves praise even in the middle of a raging storm and a terrible crisis. The line “So I will praise you on the mountain, and I will praise You when the mountain’s in my way” portrays the act of surrender in all circumstances.
In life, people of all races, including Christians, go through many ups and downs. Sometimes these challenges and descents feel like failures and mistakes. The “Highland song of Ascend” reminds all Christians of their physical, emotional, and spiritual battles, which God helps them to conquer.
Lastly, the main theme of the song is to encourage Christians in their pursuit and hunger for God.
The lines “O how high would I climb mountains if the mountains were where You hide. Oh, how far I’d scale the valleys if You graced the other side. Cause in the highlands and the heartache You’re neither more or less inclined” indicate that in all the seasons of hurt, pain, stress, and anxiety, God still deserves the same acknowledgment, adoration, praise, and pursuit.
“Highlands” (Song of Ascent) By Hillsong Lyrics
O, how high would I climb mountains
If the mountains were where You hide
O, how far I’d scale the valleys
If You graced the other side
O, how long have I chased rivers
From lowly seas to where they rise
Against the rush of grace descending
From the source of its supply
‘Cause in the highlands and the heartache
You’re neither more or less inclined
I would search and stop at nothing
You’re just not that hard to find
So I will praise You on the mountain
And I will praise You when the mountain’s in my way
‘Cause You’re the summit where my feet are
So I will praise You in the valleys all the same
No less God within the shadows
No less faithful when the night leads me astray
You’re the heaven where my heart is
In the highlands and the heartache all the same
O, how far beneath Your glory
Does Your kindness extend the path
From where Your feet rest on the sunrise
To where You sweep the sinner’s past
And O, how fast would You come running
If just to shadow me through the night
Trace my steps through all my failure
And walk me out the other side
For who could dare ascend that mountain
That valleyed hill called Calvary
But for the One, I call Good Shepherd
Who like a lamb was slain for me
So I will praise You on the mountain
And I will praise You when the mountain’s in my way
You’re the summit where my feet are
So I will praise You in the valleys all the same
No less God within the shadows
No less faithful when the night leads me astray
You’re the heaven where my heart is
In the highlands and the heartache all the same
Whatever I walk through
Wherever I am
Your Name can move mountains
Wherever I stand
And if ever I walk through
The valley of death
I’ll sing through the shadows
My song of Ascent
Whatever I walk through
Wherever I am
Your Name can move mountains
Wherever I stand
And if ever I walk through
The valley of death
I’ll sing through the shadows
My song of Ascent
From the gravest of all valleys
Come the pastures we call grace
A mighty river flowing upwards
From a deep but empty grave
So I will praise You on the mountain
And I will praise You when the mountain’s in my way
You’re the summit where my feet are
I will praise You in the valleys all the same
No less God within the shadows
No less faithful when the night leads me astray
‘Cause You’re the heaven where my heart is
In the highlands and the heartache all the same
