It was just a scribble. Honestly, Pastor Charles Jenkins didn’t even think he was writing a world-shaking hit when he sat down at the end of a long, exhausting day in 2012. He was just tired. He walked into his house, felt this sudden, overwhelming urge to talk to God, and the word "awesome" just kept looping in his head like a broken record. He asked himself, "Why is He awesome?"
The pen started moving. Fast.
The lyrics awesome Charles Jenkins eventually shared with the world didn't come from a polished songwriting retreat or a high-end studio session. They came from a man answering his own questions about faith while standing in his living room. The result? A song that spent 22 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart and basically became the "Happy" of the church world.
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics Awesome Charles Jenkins Wrote
You’ve probably heard the chorus a thousand times, but the verses are where the real meat is. Jenkins starts by talking about moving mountains. We all have them—those giant, immovable problems that sit right in the middle of our path. But then he pivots. He talks about being kept in the valley.
That’s a weirdly specific choice, right? Usually, people want to get out of the valley.
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But in the context of the song, the valley is where the growth happens. It’s where you’re hidden from the rain. It’s about protection when life feels like it’s pouring down on you. Jenkins isn't just praising a God who does big, flashy miracles; he’s praising a God who handles the "broken" and "weakened" moments. It's high-fives and hugs at the same time.
Verse 1: The Personal Struggle
- "He can move mountains" — Tackling the impossible.
- "Keep me in the valley" — Stability during the low points.
- "Hide me from the rain" — Shelter from the literal and metaphorical storms.
- "Heals me when I'm broken" — Emotional and spiritual restoration.
Why "Awesome" Became a Global Phenomenon
It's kind of wild to think that a song recorded with Fellowship Chicago—a choir with deep roots in the city's South Side—ended up being played at Jay-Z’s "Made in America" festival. That doesn't happen by accident.
The song works because it’s simple.
Musically, it’s not doing anything overly complex. It’s in E Major. It’s got a steady, driving beat. But the repetition of the word "awesome" creates this hypnotic, meditative state. Whether you’re in a high-intensity worship service or just stuck in morning traffic, those lyrics provide a mental reset. It’s one of those rare tracks that crossed over from Sunday morning services into mainstream radio, and even into the digital world of 2026, where it still pops up in TikTok's and Twitch streams as a shorthand for "this is huge."
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The Bridge: A Litany of Names
The song really peaks during the bridge. Jenkins starts calling out attributes: Mighty. Holy. Great. Deliverer. Provider. Protector.
He’s basically building a case.
If you’ve ever felt like your back was against the wall, those words feel like reinforcements arriving. It’s a list, sure, but it’s delivered with such vocal grit that it feels like a victory lap. By the time they get back to the final "My God is awesome," the energy in the room (or your headphones) has completely shifted.
The Technical Specs of the Track
If you're a musician trying to cover it, the structure is pretty straightforward, though the "Live Fellowship Chicago" version adds some flavor.
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- Key: E Major (transposable to D or F depending on the lead singer's range).
- Tempo: A slow, deliberate 63 BPM.
- Writers: Charles Jenkins wrote it solo, which is impressive given its massive impact.
- Release Date: April 2012 (Single), followed by the album The Best of Both Worlds in June 2012.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Song
Some critics originally thought the song was "too simple." They argued that gospel music should be more musically intricate, like the stuff Kirk Franklin or Fred Hammond was doing at the time. But Jenkins wasn't trying to win a theory award. He was trying to give people a tool.
He once said that "inspiration without impact is impotence."
The goal wasn't just to make people dance; it was to give them words to say when they didn't have any of their own. When you’re too tired to pray a long, flowery prayer, you can just say, "You’re awesome." That’s the genius of it. It’s accessible.
Moving Forward With the Message
If you're looking to dive deeper into this anthem, don't just look at the sheet music. Look at the story of how it was made—a tired pastor, a fast-moving pen, and a genuine moment of gratitude.
To really get the most out of the lyrics awesome Charles Jenkins crafted, try this: the next time you hit a "mountain" in your week, don't just focus on the problem. Use the song's logic. Acknowledge the valley, find the shelter from the rain, and remember that being "broken" is usually just the first step toward being "healed."
If you're looking for more inspiration, check out the Any Given Sunday album which followed this one, or look up the "Awesome Remix" featuring Jessica Reedy and Da' T.R.U.T.H. for a more contemporary, urban spin on the original classic. The message remains the same, but the energy is entirely different.