Michael W. Smith has revealed the origins of his hit song “Place in This World.” The background story of the beloved and iconic tune is powerful, likely to bring a tear or two or three to your eyes. Watch the short but moving clip to hear Michael explain what inspired the song’s title and lyrics.
Most people thoroughly enjoy listening to music. Honestly, who doesn’t love music? However, while many people like and appreciate music, most have no idea how their favorite tune came into being. What inspired those lyrics that you automatically sing along to whenever that tune comes on the radio, Spotify or Apple Music?
Every song must come from somewhere, from some experience or event. What was the motivation for that melody and those lyrics? In a clip posted on YouTube, Michael explains how and from where he drew inspiration when creating “Place in This World.” It’s a powerful story that may change how you look at and feel about the song.
The clip begins with Michael mentioning his overall aim for making music, stating that he wanted to use his musical gifts to bring glory and honor to His name.
“You know, I just wanted to make pop music and sing about Jesus and sing about my faith,” he said.
Later in the clip, he mentions specifically “Place in This World” and the heartbreaking place from which the lyrics came.
“I remember writing, when I wrote ‘Place in This World,’ when I even wrote the music, I remember just thinking, ‘I think this is a hit song.’” Michael said.
He mentioned bringing in Amy Grant and Wayne Kirkpatrick to help write the lyrics.
He added, “And it was inspired by all these letters I got from kids. They’re going, ‘I just, I just want to take my own life. I don’t, I don’t have anything to live for. And I think in one of those letters, a girl said, ‘I’m just trying to find my place in this world.’”
Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”