1986 Hit Song "Higher Love" Is A "Modern Hymn" (so to speak)

 

Steve Winwood released “Higher Love” in 1986, for which he was afforded his first #1 hit. It was played often on secular stations. According to THIS ARTICLE, Will Jennings, the writer of the lyrics said:

“My earliest memories are of the music in church and of my aunts and uncles singing the beautiful old hymns. ‘Higher Love’ is a generation past that, when things were not so much taken for granted, so that one has to plea, ‘Bring me a higher love,’ and the lines are all trying to explain why there must be higher love. A modern hymn, you might call it.”

Here's the official music video on YouTube. Open the video in a new tab and turn on the Closed Caption to read the lyrics:

Higher Love
https://youtu.be/k9olaIio3l8

Here's Steve Winwood's daughter Lilly covering the song in a slower version. It's accompanied by Steve.

Higher Love - Lilly Winwood with Steve Winwood
https://youtu.be/CsS4xlHKnpw

The Name of Jesus Is So Sweet

http://youtu.be/E_lBzsskv4Y

or

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/67

The Name of Jesus is so sweet,
I love its music to repeat;
It makes my joys full and complete,
The precious Name of Jesus!

Refrain

“Jesus,” O how sweet the Name!
“Jesus,” every day the same;
“Jesus,” let all saints proclaim
Its worthy praise forever!

I love the Name of Him Whose heart
Knows all my griefs and bears a part;
Who bids all anxious fears depart,
I love the Name of Jesus!

Refrain

That Name I fondly love to hear,
It never fails my heart to cheer;
Its music dries the falling tear,
Exalt the Name of Jesus!

Refrain

No word of man can ever tell
How sweet the Name I love so well;
O let its praises ever swell,
O praise the Name of Jesus!

Refrain