Darlene Zschech wrote “Shout to the Lord” at an old piano in 1993. It carried Hillsong’s worship around the world

In 1993, Darlene Zschech sat at an old piano in her home in Sydney, feeling discouraged, and began to sing a prayer. It became “Shout to the Lord”.

Zschech was a singer and worship leader at Hillsong Church, then known as Hills Christian Life Centre, in the north-western suburbs of Sydney, Australia. She had worked as a jingle singer and backing vocalist before dedicating her voice to church music.

The song

“Shout to the Lord” opens with “My Jesus, my Saviour, Lord there is none like You.” The chorus calls on all the earth to “shout to the Lord”, with lines echoing the Psalms: “Mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of Your name.” The imagery draws on Psalms such as 96 and 98, where creation joins in praise.

Zschech has said she almost did not share the song, thinking it was too simple. When she played it for the church’s leaders, they encouraged her to use it.

Around the world

The song was recorded live on a Hillsong album in 1994 and spread quickly through the international worship music industry, led by Integrity Music’s distribution in the United States. Churches around the world adopted it. It was translated into many languages and sung in stadiums, conferences and small congregations.

In 2008, the song gained a new audience when it was performed on the American television show American Idol.

Hillsong’s influence

“Shout to the Lord” helped establish Hillsong as one of the most influential sources of worship music in the world. Later Hillsong songs, including “Mighty to Save”, “Oceans” and “What a Beautiful Name”, were sung in churches everywhere, including in Ghana and Nigeria. Hillsong itself has since faced serious scandals involving church leadership, which led to resignations and a period of crisis.

Zschech’s later work

Zschech later became a senior pastor with her husband, Mark, in New South Wales. She was treated for breast cancer in 2013 and recovered. She continues to write and lead worship.

In African churches

In West Africa, “Shout to the Lord” is sung in Pentecostal and charismatic churches, often in medleys with local praise songs. Choirs add harmonies and drums, giving the song a new sound.

Why it works

The song is a personal prayer that turns into a call for the whole world to worship. It starts quietly and builds, which suits congregational singing.

Zschech wrote it on a discouraging day. It has been sung on countless days since by people who needed the same reminder.