If you grew up in a Black church in the late 90s, you didn't just hear this song. You lived it. Honestly, you probably still have the bassline from the "Pages of Life" live recording burned into your brain.
We're blessed Fred Hammond lyrics aren't just words on a screen or lines in a hymnal. They're a declaration. When that beat drops and the choir kicks in with "We're blessed in the city," the atmosphere in the room shifts instantly. It’s one of those rare gospel tracks that managed to bridge the gap between traditional Sunday morning worship and the high-energy, urban contemporary sound that defined an era.
The Biblical Roots of the Lyrics
Most people don't realize that the core of the song is basically a rhythmic recitation of Deuteronomy 28. Specifically, verses 3 through 6.
"Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body... Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out."
Fred Hammond and Tommie Walker took these ancient promises and turned them into a modern-day battle cry. It’s catchy. It’s funky. But more importantly, it feels authoritative. When Fred sings about casting down every stronghold, he isn't just making a catchy rhyme. He's referencing 2 Corinthians 10:4.
The song addresses the heavy stuff—sickness and poverty—and tells them they "must cease." In a world where folks are struggling with health scares or wondering how they're going to pay the rent, those lyrics hit like a freight train of hope.
Why the Midnight Hour Matters
You've heard the bridge.
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"Late in the midnight hour, God's gonna turn it around."
This part of the song is arguably more famous than the chorus itself. Why? Because everybody has a "midnight hour." It’s that metaphor for the lowest point—the time when you’re exhausted, the sun is nowhere to be found, and you feel stuck.
The repetition in the live version of Pages of Life - Chapters I & II is legendary. Hammond and Radical for Christ lean into that "and around, and around, and around" part until the whole congregation is basically in a trance of expectation. It’s a psychological and spiritual reset. It tells the listener that the situation isn't permanent.
It’s gonna work in your favor.
That’s a bold claim. Especially when things look like a total mess. But that’s the "Radical" part of Radical for Christ. They weren't interested in safe, quiet songs. They wanted music that sounded like victory.
The Musicality of the 1998 Live Recording
Let’s talk about the production for a second. Released in April 1998, Pages of Life was a massive double-disc project. "We're Blessed" was the standout track that solidified Fred Hammond as the "King of Urban Contemporary Gospel."
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The musicianship here is insane.
- The Bass: Fred’s own signature slap-bass style provides the heartbeat.
- The Vocals: Radical for Christ brought a precision that most choirs couldn't touch back then.
- The Transition: The way the song often bleeds into "Shout Unto God" in live settings is masterclass level arranging.
It’s not just "church music." It’s high-level art. The song actually helped move gospel music into the mainstream, appearing on Billboard charts and getting played at weddings, graduations, and even at the cookout.
Common Misconceptions About the Lyrics
Sometimes people get the lyrics mixed up. They think the song is just about being "happy."
It's not.
Happiness is based on happenings. Being "blessed" in this context is a state of being regardless of what’s happening. The lyrics say "though a host rise up against thee to try and spoil the day." That acknowledges the reality of conflict. It doesn't ignore the struggle; it just claims victory over it.
Also, a lot of people credit the song solely to Fred, but Tommie Walker’s songwriting contribution was huge. They captured a specific "Detroit sound"—gritty, soulful, and deeply spiritual—that resonated far beyond the Midwest.
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How to Apply the Message Today
Looking at we're blessed Fred Hammond lyrics through a 2026 lens, they still feel relevant. Maybe even more so. We live in a world that is constantly screaming about what we lack. The news is full of "sickness and poverty."
Singing these lyrics is an act of defiance.
If you want to really get the most out of this song, don't just listen to it as background noise. Use it as a personal confession.
- Speak it out loud. There’s something about the "confession" part of the lyrics ("With our hearts we do confess") that requires active participation.
- Focus on the "Turnaround." When you're in a tough spot, use that bridge as a reminder that the current chapter isn't the end of the book.
- Check the Source. Go back to Deuteronomy 28 and read the context. It’s about walking "uprightly" and keeping the commands. The song assumes a relationship with the Divine, not just a magic wand for free stuff.
Practical Steps for Your Playlist
If you’re revisiting this classic, make sure you’re listening to the right version. The studio version on The Inner Court (1995) is great, but the 1998 live version from Pages of Life is where the real fire is.
Set your EQ to boost the low end—you need to feel that bass. If you're going through a rough patch, play it on repeat. Specifically the "midnight hour" section.
There's a reason why, almost 30 years later, you can start humming this in a room full of people and someone is bound to finish the line. It's a foundational piece of the modern gospel canon. It reminds us that no matter where we are—the city, the field, the coming, or the going—we aren't alone.
To truly internalize the message, try reading the lyrics as a daily affirmation. Start with the chorus and focus on your specific "field" or "city"—your workplace, your home, your community. Realize that the "strongholds" the song mentions are often mental barriers that we have the power to cast down through faith and perspective.