El Shaddai (song)

Infobox single
Name = El Shaddai


Artist = Amy Grant
from Album = Age to Age
Released = 1982
Format =
[Recorded =]
Genre = Contemporary Christian
Length = 4:08
Label = Myrrh Records
Writer = Michael Card, John Thompson
Producer = Brown Bannister
[Certification =]
NoReviews = yes
Last single = Sing Your Praise to the Lord
(1982)
This single = El Shaddai
(1982)
Next single = In a Little While
(1982)

"El Shaddai" is a Contemporary Christian music song. It was written by Michael Card and John Thompson, using direct quotes from scripture as their inspiration, and recorded by Michael Card on one of his first two albums. However, it is also commonly associated with the singer Amy Grant, who recorded it on her 1982 platinum album "Age to Age".cite web | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?P=amg&sql=B26bsa9igb23u | title = Amy Grant biography | publisher = All Music Guide]

The title comes from two Judaic names of God and translates to "God Almighty" (see El Shaddai). Approximately half the lyrics of the chorus are in the Hebrew language, which is rather unusual for a Contemporary Christian song. The recording was in the style of a performance ballad, but the song was subsequently published in some hymnbooks [Among others, "The United Methodist Hymnal" publishes it as no. 123] and is occasionally sung congregationally.

The song was a hit single for Grant, reaching the top ten of the "Billboard" Christian chart. "El Shaddai" won "Song of the Year" and Card won "Songwriter of the Year" at the 1983 GMA Dove Awards. [cite web | url=http://www.doveawards.com/history/browse.cfm?year=1983 | title=GMA Dove Awards - History] It was also named one of the "Songs of the Century" by the RIAA in 2001. [cite web | url=http://archives.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/Music/03/07/list.top.365.songs/ | title=Songs of the Century | publisher=CNN.com]

Grant recorded a new version of the song for her 2005 album "Rock of Ages...Hymns and Faith". "El Shaddai" has been covered by many contemporary Christian and gospel recording artists, including Pat Boone [cite web | url=http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/6707969/a/Greatest+Contemporary+Christian+Songs.htm | title=Album featuring El Shaddai sung by Pat Boone] , Winans Phase 2 [cite web | url=http://www.amazon.com/Songs-Book-Various-Artists/dp/B00000J28C | title=Album featuring El Shaddai sung by Winans Phase 2] and Eden's Bridge. There also exist translated versions which combine Hebrew with other languages.

Translation of Hebrew lyrics

"El Shaddai", as previously mentioned, is most often translated as "God Almighty".

"El-Elyon na Adonai" is a common phrase meaning "God most high, O Lord".

"Erkamka na Adonai" is taken from Psalm 18:1 and is normally translated "I love you, O Lord" (Hebrew ארחמך).

For more information on the translation, refer to [http://www.michaelcard.com/forum_1/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=211 this thread on the Michael Card discussion forum] . Also see Names of God in Judaism, El Shaddai, El (god), Shaddai and Elyon.

Charts

Music sample

ee also

*Dove Award for Song of the Year
*Dove Award for Songwriter of the Year
*El Shaddai, the Hebrew name for God
*El Shaddai (movement), a Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement
*El Shaddai Charitable Trust, a charity dedicated to helping street children in India
*El Shaddai International Christian Centre, a group of churches

References