Richard Smallwood, “The Center of My Joy”

Reading Time: 3 min read

In the 18^th edition of Lit Music That Lifts, we’re uplifted by Richard Smallwood performing, “The Center of My Joy.”

[otw_shortcode_dropcap label=”W” size=”large” border_color_class=”otw-no-border-color” shadow=”shadow” square=”square”]elcome to Lit Music That Lifts (LMTL), or Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 for short! Music Lifts seeks to highlight songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs that exude fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity. Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights! So, for the 18^th edition of Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 (2022), we highlight 🎵 “The Center of My Joy” as performed by 🎙 Richard Smallwood.[/otw_shortcode_dropcap]

“Jesus, You’re the center of my joy / All that’s good and perfect comes from You,” the gifted 🎙 Richard Smallwood sings at the beginning of his acclaimed gospel classic, 🎵 “The Center of My Joy”. Such laudatory, powerful lyrics that speak to being indebted to God for everything. Smallwood continues singing, in the chorus, the centerpiece, “You’re the heart of my contentment / Hope for all I do / Jesus, You’re the center of my joy.” Yes, yes, yes!

“The Center of My Joy” famously appears on Smallwood’s 1987 album, 💿 Textures. It’s easily the most renowned song from the LP, as well as one of the biggest songs of his career (🎵 “Total Praise” might get the edge). This anthem of praise celebrates God’s goodness and mercy, period. In the first verse, Smallwood asserts, “You’re the compass for my way,” as well as “When I’m all alone, Your hand is there to hold.” It’s a similar scenario in the second verse, where Smallwood proclaims, “You’re the source and finish of my highest dreams.” Even if you aren’t a person of faith, it’s hard not to admire Smallwood’s dedication to God. Besides the memorable, tuneful chorus, and the poetic, thoughtful verses, the vamp section, centered around “Jesus, You are the center of my joy,” is utterly sublime. Smallwood riffing atop a gospel choir is nothing short of awesome. Also, shout out the music! If you weren’t aware, Richard Smallwood is a trained musician, who graduated with a music degree from Howard University. “The Center of My Joy” has been covered by many and is sung in churches regularly around the world. Now that’s music that lifts!