Butler often remarks that while he wrote the song, it eventually "transcended individual ownership," becoming a personal anthem for listeners who felt their own connection to the lyrics. The 2002 Live Performance
While the song has become a global worship staple, its roots are deeply personal to Jonathan Butler:
Growing up under apartheid in South Africa , Butler was often exploited and forbidden from staying in the venues where he performed. His music, including this song, became a vehicle for resilience and a "plea" for personal and land-wide healing .