Let Everything That Has Breath
by Matt Redman
Theology & Meaning
Let Everything That Has Breath by Matt Redman is a musical setting of Psalm 150:6's climactic conclusion — 'let everything that has breath praise the LORD.' The final verse of the final Psalm brings the entire Psalter to its eschatological conclusion: after 150 psalms of prayer, lament, praise, thanksgiving, confession, and wisdom, the whole enterprise resolves into this universal summons. Every being that breathes — every animate creature — is called to praise. This is not anthropocentric worship but creation-wide adoration. Psalm 148's catalog of praising creatures provides the content: angels, armies, sun and moon, stars, waters, lightning, hail, snow, mountains, creatures great and small, kings and peoples — all summoned to praise. Revelation 5:13's 'every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them' provides the New Testament equivalent. Colossians 1:16's 'in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible' grounds the creation-praise imperative in the Christological origin of all things. Romans 11:36's 'for from him and through him and to him are all things; to him be glory forever' provides the comprehensive source-and-destination theology of praise. The song's driving tempo and high energy musically embody the creation-wide scope of the summons.
Worship Leadership Tips
This song works powerfully as a service opener or as a celebratory climax. Its energy and universal scope make it ideal for large gatherings, outdoor services, and any occasion celebrating the breadth of God's creation and the universal scope of praise. Works at Pentecost, creation care services, and any gathering celebrating the global church. The driving tempo invites full-voiced, embodied participation. The power is in simplicity and clarity. Avoid overcomplicating the arrangement or the presentation. Give the congregation space to encounter God through straightforward singing. Simplicity is not poverty but profound accessibility. This song works powerfully in small groups or prayer settings, not just congregational worship. Its meditative quality allows space for personal reflection and intercession. Use it in prayer meetings and discipleship contexts. Teach the melody first without harmony so the congregation owns it fully. Only then add other vocal parts or instrumental layers. A melody owned by the people is more powerful than a complex arrangement. The theology in this text is rich—rich enough to preach on. Consider a topical sermon before or after singing, so people understand not just the words but the doctrinal content they're affirming. As worship leader, treat this moment with gravitas. The congregation has encountered God; this sends them forth transformed. Make eye contact, allow breath between phrases, and let the theology land.
Arrangement Tips
Full band from the intro with maximum energy. The verse needs to sustain interest before the chorus. Electric guitar and driving drums are central. Strong backing vocals on the chorus create the communal, universal quality. Allow extended repetition of the chorus declaration. This song sustains well in high-energy extended singing. A key change for the final section is appropriate for large celebrations. The tune's character should determine instrumentation: hymn-like music needs hymn-like arrangements; folk spirituals need folk accompaniment; contemporary songs suit contemporary production. Match form to content. Encourage congregational confidence by starting with unison melody sung full-voiced by the whole assembly. Add harmonies progressively, allowing singers to move into parts as they're comfortable. Organic growth is better than imposed complexity. Use the natural rhythm of the text to guide tempo and phrasing. Where theology has emphasis, music can echo that emphasis through rhythm, dynamics, or harmonic color. The music should illuminate the meaning.
Scripture References
- Psalm 150:6
- Psalm 148:1-12
- Revelation 5:13
- Romans 11:36
- Colossians 1:16