Song Background: “Indescribable”
“Can you raise your voice to the clouds, so that an abundance of water will cover you?”- Job 38:34
There are many songs that proclaim the glory and majesty of our God. From the Israelites living in ancient lands to modern-day contemporary Christian artists, humanity loves to sing lyrics that glorify God. Some people enjoy singing in the quiet of their homes, others enjoy leading worship at church, and some individuals step on stage in front of tens of thousands of people with their voices ringing out to praise our Creator. One such artist is Laura Story, who wrote a beautiful worship song: “Indescribable.”
“From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea / Creations revealing Your majesty / From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring / Every creature unique in the song that it sings”
In 2002, Laura Story penned the lyrics to “Indescribable” for her self-named album. The best-known recording of the song was done in 2004 by Chris Tomlin on his Arriving album. Although Tomlin made this song famous, it is neat to hear the story behind the lyrics Laura Story wrote.
When she was younger, Story wanted to become a symphony conductor. She was in the line to register for classes at Columbia International University when she met Shane Williams. Coincidently, Story and Williams were both wearing YoungLife t-shirts, and that started a conversation. Williams asked her to be in his band: Silers Bald. Story agreed and started out playing the string bass before soon doing vocals as well.
Five years later, Story’s manager presented the idea for Story to record an album singing the songs she had written for Silers Band on her debut album, and pursue a solo career. There were no hard feelings when she left the band. Story had never sung alone and was very uncertain about a solo career. At the start, she not only faced the daunting idea of a solo career but was also in desperate need of more songs for the album. Her producer, Stephen Gause, was a source of peace as he was sure God would provide the needed songs.
“Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go / Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow / Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light / Yet, conceals it to bring us the coolness of night”
One day afternoon, Story was driving home and was suddenly struck by the beauty of the world around her and the famous lyrics of Indescribable poured from her heart as she drove alone in her car. Upon arriving at home, Story sat at the piano and wrote out the song’s verses. Later, she read Job 38 and used God’s words in Job to finish the piece.
This song is an excellent reminder of how special we are to God even though we are so small in comparison to the vast and beautiful world he created.
“You placed the stars in the sky, and you know them by name. You are amazing, God / Incomparable, unchangeable / You see the depths of my heart / And You love me the same / You are amazing, God.”
