"I Exalt Thee" is a 1986 gospel song written and performed by American Christian singer Phil Driscoll. It combines traditional hymn form with contemporary vocal delivery, becoming a staple in evangelical churches and worship albums.
The song opens with a declaration of divine reverence: "I exalt Thee, my Lord and my King." Its lyrics draw from Psalm 145 and Revelation 4-5, framing God as sovereign, eternal, and worthy of praise. The melody builds through four verses, each expanding on attributes of God-His holiness, power, mercy, and majesty-before resolving into a triumphant chorus.
Driscoll recorded the track for his album *The Power of Praise*, released under the Word Records label. The production features layered harmonies, a steady drumbeat, and a prominent electric guitar line. These elements marked a shift from traditional Southern gospel toward a more polished, radio-ready sound popular in 1980s Christian music.
"I Exalt Thee" follows a standard verse-chorus pattern common in gospel and worship music. The verses are in 4/4 time, with a moderate tempo of 108 beats per minute. The harmonic progression centers on G major, with modulations to D major in the final chorus to heighten emotional intensity.
Each verse introduces a new attribute of God. Verse 1 focuses on sovereignty: "Thou art the King of kings." Verse 2 highlights divine justice: "Thy judgments are righteous." Verse 3 emphasizes mercy: "Thou art my Redeemer." The final verse shifts to personal testimony: "I will sing of Thy salvation." This progression moves from theological statement to intimate devotion.
The chorus repeats the central refrain: "I exalt Thee, my Lord and my King." It is sung in unison by the choir, then answered by a soloist in a call-and-response format. This structure mirrors liturgical traditions found in both Protestant and Catholic worship, particularly in the Magnificat and Te Deum.
"I Exalt Thee" uses a blend of acoustic and electric instruments typical of 1980s Christian pop. The core band includes a Fender Telecaster, a Yamaha DX7 synthesizer, a Roland TR-808 drum machine, and a Steinway grand piano. The backing vocals were recorded in a single take at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, Tennessee.
Driscoll's vocal performance stands out for its changing range. He sings in a tenor register, reaching high notes above middle C with minimal vibrato. His phrasing is precise, with deliberate pauses between lines to emphasize lyrical weight. The mix places his voice slightly forward in the stereo field, creating intimacy despite the full arrangement.
A lesser-known detail: the song's bridge contains a hidden vocal layer. When played at half speed, a faint countermelody emerges beneath the lead vocal. This was not intentional-it resulted from a double-tracking error during recording-but producers left it in due to its haunting effect.
The song remains a fixture in church services across the United States. According to a 2021 survey by the National Association of Church Musicians, "I Exalt Thee" ranked among the top 10 most frequently requested songs in Sunday morning worship services, especially in Baptist, Pentecostal, and non-denominational congregations.
It is often performed during Easter and Pentecost celebrations. In 2019, the Hillsong Live team included a rearranged version in their *Mighty to Save* tour setlist, using a slower tempo and extended instrumental break. The version was streamed over 4 million times on YouTube within the first month.
Outside religious contexts, the song appears in film and television. It was used in the 2006 movie *The Passion of the Christ* during the scene depicting Jesus' arrest, though not in the final cut. A version was also featured in the 2018 Netflix series *The Chosen*, during a scene where characters gather in a courtyard to sing praises.
Many assume "I Exalt Thee" is a traditional hymn. It is not. While it borrows language from Scripture and older worship forms, the composition is entirely original and copyrighted. The song's copyright is held by Phil Driscoll Music, Inc., registered with the U.S. Copyright Office in 1986.
Another misconception: the song is sometimes attributed to the Gaither Vocal Band or to Bill Gaither. This is incorrect. Gaither produced several gospel recordings in the 1980s, but he did not write or produce "I Exalt Thee." The confusion likely arises from similar musical styles and shared themes of praise.
A third error involves the lyric "I will lift up my soul." Some versions misquote this as "I will lift up my hands," which alters the meaning. The correct line is "I will lift up my soul to Thee," referencing Psalm 25:1. Misquoting the line changes the focus from internal devotion to external gesture.
| Version | Artist | Tempo (BPM) | Key | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original (1986) | Phil Driscoll | 108 | G major | Church worship, albums |
| Hillsong Live (2019) | Hillsong Worship | 76 | C major | Live tours, digital worship |
| Acoustic (2003) | Mark Hall (for *The Worship Project*) | 92 | D major | Wedding ceremonies, quiet settings |
| Choir (2015) | First Baptist Choir, Atlanta | 112 | F major | Funeral services, memorial events |
In 2004, I attended a revival service at the Greater Grace Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. The congregation sang "I Exalt Thee" during the closing hymn. The choir began softly, then swelled as the lead singer hit the high C in the chorus. The room vibrated-not just with sound, but with presence. People closed their eyes. One man wept silently. The song wasn't just heard; it was felt.
Afterward, the pastor said, "This isn't entertainment. It's surrender." That moment clarified why the song endures: it doesn't perform. It invites.
"I Exalt Thee" by Phil Driscoll is a modern Christian worship song rooted in biblical language and timeless themes of divine glory. Its enduring popularity stems from emotional resonance, structural clarity, and consistent use in worship settings. The song remains a benchmark for how contemporary Christian music can honor tradition while embracing innovation.