5 Profound Secrets Behind The Lyrics Of 'I Give Myself Away' By William McDowell (Updated December 2025)
Few modern worship songs have achieved the enduring, global impact of William McDowell’s "I Give Myself Away." More than a decade after its release, this powerful anthem continues to be a cornerstone of contemporary gospel and worship services worldwide. As of December 21, 2025, the song’s message of complete surrender remains as relevant and resonant as ever, prompting millions to search for its full lyrics and the profound story behind its creation. This article dives deep into the song's anatomy, unveiling the secrets of its success and the full, unedited lyrics that define a generation's cry for consecration.
The simplicity of "I Give Myself Away" is precisely its genius. Stripped down to a core message of availability and surrender, the song transcends musical trends. It is the foundational expression of William McDowell's own ministry, a personal vow turned into a global declaration, making it a timeless piece of worship music.
William McDowell: The Architect of Modern Surrender
Before exploring the lyrics themselves, understanding the artist is essential. William McDowell is not just a singer; he is a respected pastor, bandleader, and a leading voice in contemporary gospel and praise & worship music. His career is marked by a passionate commitment to creating music that facilitates a genuine encounter with God.
- Full Name: William McDowell
- Occupation: Pastor, Worship Leader, Singer, Songwriter
- Musical Debut: 2009 with the album *As We Worship Live*
- Breakthrough Song: "I Give Myself Away" (from *As We Worship Live*)
- Key Albums: *As We Worship Live* (2009), *Arise* (2011), *Withholding Nothing* (2013), *Sounds of Revival II: Deeper* (2017)
- Key Collaborators: Sam Hinn (co-writer of "I Give Myself Away")
- Notable Achievements: Grammy Award nomination for Best Gospel Album, multiple tracks topping the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart.
- Ministry Focus: Creating an atmosphere of surrender and revival through worship.
The song "I Give Myself Away" was released on February 2, 2009, as part of the seminal album *As We Worship Live* on Entertainment One Music (eOne Music). It was McDowell's first track to soar to the top of the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart, solidifying his place as a major figure in the industry.
The Complete and Unedited Lyrics of 'I Give Myself Away'
The powerful, repetitive nature of the lyrics is what makes this song so effective in a corporate worship setting. It’s a meditative chant that forces the worshiper to confront the core concept of total self-dedication. Below are the definitive lyrics, which are often sung with a spontaneous, free-flowing structure in live performance.
Song: I Give Myself Away
Artist: William McDowell
Album: As We Worship Live (2009)
Chorus
I give myself away
I give myself away
So You can use me
I give myself away
I give myself away
So You can use me
Verse 1
Here I am
Here I stand, Lord
My life is in Your hands
Lord, I'm longing to see
Your desires fulfilled
Through me
Chorus
I give myself away
I give myself away
So You can use me
I give myself away
I give myself away
So You can use me
Bridge/Ad-lib
My life is not my own
To You I belong
I give myself away
I give myself away
My life is not my own
To You I belong
I give myself away
I give myself away
Outro
So You can use me
So You can use me
So You can use me
So You can use me
5 Profound Secrets Behind the Song's Enduring Power
The longevity of "I Give Myself Away" is not accidental. It’s rooted in a deep theological and personal commitment that William McDowell poured into the track. Here are five secrets that explain why the song remains a global worship staple over a decade later.
1. It’s the Foundation of McDowell's Worship Ministry
The song is, in McDowell’s own words, the cry of his heart and the literal foundation of his worship ministry. It was written about the road he walked, a journey that led him straight to a place of total surrender. This authenticity—the fact that the song is a personal vow before it is a public performance—gives it a spiritual weight that listeners immediately recognize. It's not just a song about surrender; it’s a living testimony of "dying to self" and laying down personal desires for a higher purpose.
2. The Theological Concept of Consecration and Availability
The core theme of the song is consecration, which is the act of setting one's entire life apart for God's use. The phrase "So You can use me" is the ultimate expression of this. It’s a biblical concept rooted in the idea of presenting one's body as a living sacrifice, a spiritual act of worship. The song moves beyond mere emotional worship to a decision of the will—a quiet "yes" to obedience and trust, even when the path is unclear.
3. The Power of Lyrical Simplicity and Repetition
In the world of worship music, simplicity often equates to profundity. The main chorus is only four lines long: "I give myself away, I give myself away, So You can use me." This repetition is a spiritual discipline. It allows the worshiper to move past intellectualizing the concept and into a heartfelt, almost meditative declaration. The simple structure makes it incredibly easy to learn, yet its meaning is complex, forcing a deep reflection on what it truly means to "give myself away."
4. Its Influence on Contemporary Gospel and Worship Music
"I Give Myself Away" helped define a new era of contemporary gospel music, focusing less on traditional choir arrangements and more on an intimate, spontaneous, and powerful worship experience. Its success paved the way for other powerful anthems of surrender and spiritual warfare, such as McDowell’s later hits "I Won't Go Back" and "Withholding Nothing." The song's influence can be heard in the work of other prominent worship leaders and songs like "Break Every Chain" and "For Your Glory," all of which share the same heart for raw, honest worship.
5. The Global Resurgence Through Modern Covers (2025 Update)
Despite its 2009 release, the song remains incredibly current, thanks to a continuous stream of powerful covers and re-imaginings. Recent acoustic and full-band covers, such as those by various artists and worship groups (like I.D.O.4. and Steven Moctezuma), keep the song circulating in new worship contexts, including mentions in 2024 and 2025 worship playlists. This constant re-visiting ensures that the message of surrender is continually introduced to new generations of believers, cementing its status as a timeless classic.
The enduring legacy of "I Give Myself Away" is a testament to the power of a simple, sincere prayer. It’s a song that doesn't just ask for a reaction; it demands a decision—a choice to relinquish control and declare, "Here I am, Lord, so You can use me."
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