The Meaning Behind The Song: Total Praise by Richard Smallwood
Richard Smallwood is an American pianist, songwriter, and director who has contributed immensely to the gospel music industry. He is the founder of Richard Smallwood Singers and has created several compositions that have gained worldwide acceptance. One of the most notable compositions of Smallwood is “Total Praise,” a song that has gained popularity since its release in 1996.
Table of Contents
“Total Praise” is not just a song, but a worship offering that highlights the greatness of God and his sovereignty. It speaks of surrendering all to God, acknowledging His power and worshiping Him in every aspect of our lives. The song has a unique way of inspiring, uplifting, and connecting every believer to God.
1. What inspired Richard Smallwood to compose Total Praise?
“Total Praise” was composed in 1996, inspired by the book of Revelations 4:8-11. Richard Smallwood expressed that the song was birthed from a place of total surrender and worship to God. The revelation of God’s greatness, holiness, and sovereignty was the inspiration behind the song.
2. What is the main message of Total Praise?
Total Praise is a song of worship that reflects the greatness of God and our surrender to Him. It points out the supremacy of God in every aspect of our lives, and we should give Him total praise. It speaks of acknowledging His power, living in obedience to His word, and making Him the center of our lives.
3. What is the significance of the phrase “Total Praise” in the song?
The phrase “Total Praise” in the song is a call to full surrender to God, giving Him our all in worship. It speaks of the need to acknowledge and praise God in entirety, without holding anything back. It is a declaration of our commitment to God and a reminder to continuously bask in his glory.
4. What elements make Total Praise unique?
Total Praise is a unique song that stands the test of time. The unique element of the song is the way it blends gospel with a classical music vibe. It can be described as a cross-genre song, catering to both classical and gospel music lovers. The song’s melody, instrumentation, and arrangement evoke strong emotions and connect people to the power of worship.
5. How has Total Praise impacted the gospel music industry?
Total Praise has had a profound impact on the gospel music industry, earning Richard Smallwood global recognition. The composition has gained a massive following worldwide, and it has been performed by several choirs and worship teams. The song has remained relevant for over two decades and still evokes the same emotions as its initial release.
6. What lessons can be learned from Total Praise?
The song “Total Praise” teaches lessons about the ideal way to worship God. It teaches the need for total surrender, acknowledging God’s supremacy, and continuous worship of God in our lives. It reminds us of the importance of obedience, living according to His word, and aligning our lives with God’s will.
7. How has Total Praise impacted the Christian community?
Total Praise has impacted the Christian community by creating an atmosphere of worship, rekindling love, and reverence for God. The song has brought Christians from all over the world together in worship, cutting across racial and ethnic lines. It has become a go-to song for Christian worship teams, bringing life to several worship services worldwide.
8. What instruments are used in Total Praise?
Total Praise has a rich blend of instruments, prominently featuring piano, brass, and string instruments. The song’s arrangement creates a warm and inviting atmosphere with the piano opening up the song’s melody with a string section and gentle brass background.
9. What makes Total Praise a popular worship song?
Total Praise has become a popular worship song due to its purity of worship and Christian value orientation. The song’s soul-soothing melody and lyrics inspire hope and renewal in Christians, bringing them closer to God. Its unique blend of classical and gospel music has also contributed to its popularity, touching every generation of Christians.
10. Has Total Praise won any award?
Total Praise has won several awards, including the Stellar Awards, the Dove Awards, and the NAACP Images Award. Richard Smallwood himself was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2006, a clear testament to the song’s impact on the gospel music industry.
11. How has Total Praise impacted Richard Smallwood’s career?
Total Praise has continued to positively impact Richard Smallwood’s career, earning him global recognition. The song has made him a household name in the gospel music industry, with several choirs and worship teams performing his songs worldwide. Richard Smallwood has gone on to produce more songs in the gospel genre, establishing himself as a gospel icon.
12. What is the beauty of Total Praise?
The beauty of Total Praise lies in its ability to soothe the soul, heal the sick, and touch every listener’s heart. It is a song of eternal significance with a message that speaks to every Christian, no matter his race or denomination. The song’s beauty lies in the purity of worship, creating an atmosphere of presence with God.
In conclusion, “Total Praise” is more than just a song, but a worship offering to God. It continues to resonate with people globally, impacting the gospel music industry and the Christian community. The song’s message speaks to the heart of Christians, reminding them of the power of worship and the need for total surrender to God.
