The Meaning Behind The Song: He Shall Purify by Quincy Jones
Introduction
This soulful rendition of Handel’s Messiah arranged by Quincy Jones features many accomplished vocalists in their specified genre. This album has a total time of 75:42 produced and executive produced by Norman Miller, Gail Hamilton, and Mervyn Warren for Warner Alliance record label.
Table of Contents
As a freelancer, I’ve had the privilege of exploring various musical genres and the beauty they bring to our lives. Recently, I stumbled upon Quincy Jones’ rendition of “He Shall Purify” and it instantly captured my attention.
The Lyrics
Let’s dive into the lyrics of this powerful and awe-inspiring song:
(Sopranos)And He shall purify
And He shall purify the sons of Levi (Tenors)
And He shall purify
And He shall purify the sons of Levi (Lead Singer)
And He shall purify
And He shall purify the sons of Levi
That they may offer unto the Lord
An offering in righteousness
They live in holiness
For they are set aside, that they might glorify the Lord
Rejoicing in his power to save
For he has made a way for them to yield their lives (Chorus)
So he can purify
That they may offer unto the Lord
An offering in righteousness
They live in holiness
For they are set aside
That they might glorify the Lord
Rejoicing in his power to save
The lyrics speak of purification and the offering of righteousness to the Lord. They emphasize living in holiness and being set aside to glorify the Lord. The song exudes a sense of joy and celebration in the power of the Lord’s ability to save.
The Message
“He Shall Purify” carries a significant message about the transformational power of faith and the importance of leading a righteous life. The song highlights the role of the sons of Levi, who represent the chosen people, in offering themselves in righteousness to the Lord.
The lyrics depict the process of purification, symbolizing the cleansing of one’s heart and soul. Through this purification, believers are able to present an offering of righteousness to the Lord, living in holiness, and glorifying Him.
The emphasis on rejoicing in the Lord’s power to save implies that salvation comes through surrendering one’s life and embracing His transformative grace. It reminds us that by yielding ourselves to Him, we can find true purification and experience the joy of His salvation.
Quincy Jones’ Rendition
Quincy Jones, renowned for his genius musical arrangements, takes Handel’s original Messiah and infuses it with a fusion of Gospel, Contemporary Christian, Jazz Fusion, R&B, and Hip Hop. His unique approach brings a fresh interpretation to this classical masterpiece.
The combination of different genres enhances the emotional impact of the song, making it accessible to a wide audience. Each vocalist showcases their remarkable talent, weaving their voices together to create a harmonious and captivating performance.
This rendition of “He Shall Purify” received critical acclaim, winning the 1992 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album and the 1992 Dove Award for Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year. It truly showcases Quincy Jones’ ability to bridge different musical styles and create something truly extraordinary.
In Conclusion
Listening to Quincy Jones’ rendition of “He Shall Purify” is a transformative experience. The song’s powerful lyrics and the fusion of musical genres remind us of the importance of living a righteous life and celebrating the redemptive power of faith.
I encourage you to take a moment to listen to this soul-stirring rendition and let the divine message resonate within your heart.
Credits
Written By
Quincy Jones & George Frideric Handel
Release Date: September 17, 1992
