You Are the Great "I Am"

Notes from Tom

The phrase “I Am” is one of the most profound in all of Scripture. It shows up when Moses asks God what he should say when the people ask who sent him, and God responds:
“I AM WHO I AM.” (Exodus 3:14)

That one sentence carries the weight of eternity. No beginning. No end. No need to prove or explain anything to anyone.
Centuries later, Jesus uses that same name for Himself. Not once, but over and over:
“I am the bread of life.”
“I am the vine.”
“I am the good shepherd.”
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
“Before Abraham was, I Am.”

He wasn’t just teaching. He was identifying himself as the same eternal God who spoke from the burning bush.
This song pulls together several of those moments. It’s both personal and theological. It names Jesus as the One who bears our shame, holds us in our fear, and shines light into our darkest nights. It’s worship, but it’s also declaration.

A note on the music

The foundation of this song comes from Pachelbel’s Canon in D.It’s a piece I first played on violin back in grade school and High School orchestra in the mid 1970s. There’s something timeless about that chord progression. Don’t you just love it? It’s so simple, and yet feels like it holds something sacred because of it’s beauty.
I wanted that simplicity and beauty to carry this song. The Canon gave it the shape. The lyrics followed. It’s a male duet mostly accompanied by simple piano progressions based on the canon.

Lyrics

Verse 1You are my hope when I despair,
The One who lifts my every care,
You are the great “I Am.”
Your Word, my rock, my steady guide,
Through storms of life, You’re by my side,
You are the great “I Am.”

Chorus 1God, Creator King, Holy is Your name.
Jesus, Savior King, Worthy is Your name.

Verse 2Bearing my cross, You took my shame,
Risen to life, You broke death’s claim,
You are the great “I Am.”
When fear draws near, You make me bold,
In grace and love, my heart You hold,
You are my Lord, my God.

Chorus 2God, Almighty King, Holy is Your name.
Jesus, Risen King, Glorious is Your name.

Verse 3Light of the world, my soul’s delight,
You shine within my darkest night,
You are my Lord, my God.
Alpha, Omega, first and last,
Redeemer God, my future, past,
You are the great “I Am.”

Chorus 3God, Eternal King, Holy is Your name.
Jesus, Living King, Faithful is Your name.

Verse 1 RepriseYou are my hope when I despair,
The One who lifts my every care,
You are the great “I Am.”
Your Word, my rock, my steady guide,
Through storms of life, You’re by my side,
You are the great “I Am.”

Final ChorusJesus, Savior King, Holy is Your name.
Jesus, Savior King, Worthy is Your name.