Byron Cage, Gratitude | Thankful Songs

For the 6th Thankful Song , we highlight “Gratitude,” where contemporary gospel artist Byron Cage and Mumen Ngenge, give thanks to God.

“Thank you, Lord / For everything that you have done in my life I say / We say, thank you.” Amen, Byron Cage, AMEN! Before we dig into this inspirational standout, let me remind you the premise of Thankful Songs ! On Thankful Songs , we highlight songs in which the musician (or musicians) show gratitude about something or towards someone.  This idea came from the fact that in November, here in the United States of America, many Americans celebrate Thanksgiving.  So, what better way than to celebrate than select some awesome songs that exhibit gratitude? Our sixth entry comes from Cage with “Gratitude,”, from his 2012 album, Memoirs of a Worshipper.

Cage commences Memoirs of a Worshipper, with a ballad as opposed to an up tempo, funkier opener.  He even addresses this ‘change of pace’ on his spoken word intro for “Gratitude.” Even though he works with a slower pace and something of a different tone, “Gratitude” ends up being utterly exceptional, packing a mighty punch, nonetheless. He delivers fine lead vocals, accompanied by piano primarily. As expected, the contents of the verse reflect his gratitude towards God.  “Lord my God, when I reflect, on life and just how far I’ve come,” he sings, continuing, “You’ve sustained my path, kept me through it all / Even when I felt like I would fall.” On the second verse, the lead shifts to female lead, Mumen Ngenge.  The arrangement kicks things up a notch yet Ngenge still retains a certain level of poise before things ascend to that next level.  The most exciting line of Ngenge’s verse?

“If it were not for your loving hands that helped me find my way
I would be so lost and drifted like a ship
A ship without a sail.”

The two then trade a few lines and duet together, leading into the most powerful section of “Gratitude,” the chorus, where they totally ‘let it rip’:

“Thank you, Lord
For everything that you have done in my life I say
We say, thank you
For your goodness
Thank you
And your mercy
Thank you, Lord...”

During this section, we get a key change that brings in the full choir, excellent vocal harmonies between Cage and Ngenge, and the most epic parts of the thankful “Gratitude” overall.

Byron Cage • Memoirs of a Worshipper • Verity Gospel Music Group • 2012

[: Verity Gospel Music Group]