[Verse 1]
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand
[Chorus]
And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
[Verse 2]
Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now
[Chorus]
So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
[Bridge]
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Saviour
[Bridge]
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Saviour
[Outro]
I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine
Oceans (Where My Feet may Fail)
Song Meaning
Peter's step out of the boat in Matthew 14 supplies the image behind "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)," and the song keeps its attention on the water rather than the walking. "You call me out upon the waters, the great unknown where feet may fail" admits the risk up front, and the verse that follows finds God "in the mystery" instead of removing it.
Verse two moves from fear to track record: "Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me, You've never failed and You won't start now." The chorus answers with "keep my eyes above the waves" and "my soul will rest in Your embrace," a nod to Peter sinking only once he looked at the wind. God's promise in Isaiah 43:2 to be with His people through deep water sits close by.
The bridge turns from response to request. "Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders" and "take me deeper than my feet could ever wander" ask for more water, not less, and the closing line gives the reason: "my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my Saviour."