Walter Hawkins, “What Is This?” | Music Lifts

In the 32^nd edition of Lit Music That Lifts, we’re uplifted by late, great, gospel music icon, Walter Hawkins performing, “What Is This?”

Welcome 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 32^nd  edition of Music Lifts (2022), we highlight “What Is This?” as performed by the late, great, gospel music icon, Walter Hawkins.

“What is this / That I feel deep inside / That keeps setting my soul afire?” Well, Walter Hawkins, many refer to it as The Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit, of course, is tied with The Most High aka God aka Jesus – The holy trinity… Of course, throughout “What Is This?” which appears on Hawkins’ 1980 album, The Hawkins Family,  Hawkins doesn’t make things complicated – he keeps it simple yet encouraging, spiritual refreshing, and uplifting: “Whatever it is / It won’t let me / Hold my peace.”  Essentially, Hawkins, and anyone who experiences this feeling, can’t just sit still – they must speak of this joy deep down inside and share it with the world!

“What Is This?” is a soulful, R&B-gospel joint.  It’s smooth and easy-going, yet potent and powerful.  There are awesome vocals from all parties involved, namely Walter Hawkins himself.  The backing vocals are electrifying too, particularly the female leads that testify to the Holy Spirit.  The tuneful chorus is among the biggest selling points.  Still, moments like, “It makes me love all my enemies / And it makes me love my friends / And it won’t let me be ashamed / To tell the world that I’ve been born again,” truly speak to belief, faith, and a deep connection with God.  As this wonderful record progresses, it only grows more spirited, making the soul feel that much happier and #LIFTED .  Also, check out an awesome cover by Korean Soul !

Walter Hawkins • The Hawkins Family • Yell • 1980

Walter Hawkins, “What Is This?”: Music Lifts No. 32 (2022) [: Arek Socha, Benjamin Balazs, Brent Faulkner, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Ketut Subiyanto, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, Yell]