In March 2018, Andrew Peterson released his latest album Resurrection Letters, Vol.1 to much critical fanfare. No individual song has received as much attention and adulation than “Is He Worthy?” The video for the song has been viewed over 1,000,000 times online, and it has opened doors to new audiences – including earlier this month at the sold-out Getty SING! 2018 conference. [In June, “Is He Worthy?” was also cited by the UTR Critics Panel as one of the Best Songs of 2018 So Far.]
Now the song is about to go global in a major way – but Andrew Peterson isn’t singing in this version. Earlier today, 23-time Dove Award-winning artist Chris Tomlin released his version of AP’s song “Is He Worthy?” It’s one of the new singles available on iTunes now from his next studio album Holy Roar (album street date is 10/26/18).
Enter conflicting feelings.
On the one hand, this is quite the honor – after all Chris Tomlin has one of the biggest and most respected worship-music platforms on the planet today. Most people don’t know this, but Tomlin has at least a co-write credit on almost ALL of his music (over 90%). However, a few of his biggest hits 
are “borrowed” songs (e.g. “Good Good Father,” “God of this City,” “Indescribable,” “Everlasting God”). And we have seen some career leaps because of this mega-exposure – like what Tomlin did for Laura Story (principle writer of “Indescribable”) or what David Crowder did for John Mark McMillan (writer of “How He Loves”).
On the other hand, some of these examples are creating a national release for a fairly unheard song by a fairly unknown indie artist. Some of us Andrew Peterson apologists really wanted this song – just the way AP made it – to take off and gain worldwide momentum. And we were seeing a taste of that with the music video and church choir interest in this modern day hymn. Yes, the guts of the song (and the incredible lyrics) are all still there in the Chris Tomlin version, but it has also been souped up for a CCM radio listening audience with fresh electric guitar washes and a bit more of a synthetic sounding choir.
There are other factors. In terms of the business side of music, it’s very helpful for a songwriter to have a mega-star in any genre cut one of the songs you wrote. If it becomes a “hit” that helps the songwriter even more (regardless of how much credit the songwriter is given). And then there’s the ministry side of music. One song is given a wider platform to reach more ears and more hearts with Bible-based poetry. What kind of ogre would want to stand in the way of that? Right? – And yet the conflicting feelings remain.
Take a listen for yourself:
I think some folks (me included) have a couple of bones to pick. (a) Chris Tomlin [or his intern] revealed the song release today on Instagram by announcing “Surprise! One of my new songs ‘Is He Worthy’ …is available.” Some folks would like to see a bit more credit given to AP, especially since he is not an obscure, unknown songwriter. (b) The timing is… interesting. It’s the main single on a major label album released only 6 months ago. I’m not sure how things work behind the scenes, but it just seems like it’s still the “it” song for AP, and maybe that wave needs to subside before another artist records it and calls it “my song.” Right?
Joy. Lament. Oh these conflicting feelings. 🙂
We want to know what YOU think. Comment below with this make-shift poll:
(A) This is great news! Very happy that the song will get a wider audience.
(B) I’m happy overall with some small reservations
(C) I’m torn. It’s good news. And kinda bad news. Ugh.
(D) Overall thumbs down. Really only want AP’s version to go wide.
B. AP’s version is my fav (I loved hearing at the Getty’s conference online!) but I’m glad others will here it now. I’ll keep sharing AP’s version!
B.) for me. I’m glad for the platform the song will receive, but sad because Tomlin’s version is not nearly as good as AP’s original version. I would love more credit to go to Andrew, but for the sake of the Gospel, I hope it will outlive any writer or artists name. I have a feeling that with the exposure the song is getting from people like Tomlin and Getty, we might be able to see it in hymnal pages one day. I think the song is strong enough to serve the church for centuries to come in its timeless but timely feel.
C. How hard is it to say you’re covering another artist’s song?! I think it’s pretty lame that he didn’t credit AP. And yeah, it’s getting ‘exposure’, but the zillions of Chris Tomlin fans that hear this song will have NO IDEA that they should even look for the original writer because Chris Tomlin (or his team) didn’t give any indication that he didn’t write it! I think that’s a little slimy. He needs to correct it – make a social media post that says AP wrote it. ALSO, Tomlin’s version just plain isn’t as good.
I think it’s pretty close to plagiarism. I’d choose the original AP song ANY TIME!
But – I am glad Tomlin’s version will benefit Andrew. I hope it will benefit all the UTR “regulars.”
I think God has a much bigger plan and concern than song credit and tweets. As a lifelong fan of AP, I’m delighted that his profound music will get more exposure. But more importantly, this is about glorifying He who is worthy.
Thank you for setting the records straight
That’s what I was thinking also. Who wants us to fret or get upset over this? Not the Father. It’s one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard and it’s all about praising our Father.💜
I’m stuck between a C and a D. When I read the “MY new song” caption from Tomlin, it really irked me. Maybe it shouldn’t have, but I always just so want to see the writer/artist get cred. Plus, the original version is just absolutely perfect as is.
This has long been my issue with mainstream CCM stations – so many covers! Most of the time the original is far superior but if it never makes it on the air, but then Tomlin or Phillips, Craig and Dean cover it and BOOM – it’s the best song ever!! Meanwhile the original artist still never gets airtime.
Oh I forgot to answer the poll question.
I guess B.. 🤷🏻♂️
D…. D…. D…. D…. I sure hope AP makes a boatload of money on it of course. But I hate how these big names scoop up good music and make their coin and leave the excellent artist who actually created it in the dust. And his recording is completely inferior to AP’s!!! OUTRAGE! 🙂
D completely. It takes away none of the worship inherent in the song to say where you got it from. Pastors use quotes ALL the time in sermons, usually to great effect. The book/person who said it is named, and then I get the opportunity to read their original works for myself. If AP benefits from this- wonderful. I certainly would hope he would.
Torn between B and C.
B because it’s a great song, and the point is to spread the Word.
C because Andrew Peterson isn’t simply a songwriter…he’s an artist as well, and the timing makes it look like Tomlin wants to strike while the iron is hot and piggyback on AP’s success. He has enough success of his own to share the spotlight, and he should have. If the song was just in AP’s catalog of available music and not a minor sensation, the “my song” bit would be more understandable.
I think you just hit the nail on the head. The mixed emotions likely has less to do with credit/ownership, and more about “striking while the iron is hot.” No one would be throwing a stink if CT recorded “Dancing In The Minefields.” It’s about timing!
The timing was rough for me as well considering AP is still touring and promoting this album. However, I loved Andrew’s response today. “I just love the fact that tonight I was leading it in TX while he was leading it in Canada. And we both want Jesus to be glorified.” We all have to admit… that’s pretty epic!
I’m going to stay positive and go with B on this one.
I’m conflicted, but glad that the song
has a greater life than what had been possible. Tomlin gives credit and it might sell singles, but all the songwriting credit goes to Peterson and Shive. In the music biz arena, they get the recognition which means more great songs and art from them.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=171833520358767&id=25937211069&_rdr
I’ll say “C”. Unless the original writer is a VERY little known artist, I think other artists shouldn’t release their own version for at least a year after the original comes out. But doesn’t AP have to give Tomlin permission to use the song? If so, then he obviously did, and if AP doesn’t have a problem with it, why should we?
A lot of times, the record company owns the actual rights, and they only need to get official permission from the recording label. But hopefully AP’s recording label did ask before they gave permission. I’m listening right now,and I’m also between a B & C. If Tomlin had given credit to AP, I’d be much more okay with it, but I’m really disappointed he called it “my new song.”
C is my vote. It’s good news and I’m happy because of Andrew Peterson who is one of my all-time favorite artists. I interviewed him about “Is He Worthy” for one of my behind the song devotional articles here: https://www.newreleasetoday.com/article.php?article_id=2406. It’s kinda bad news because now it will be called “a Chris Tomlin song.” Either way, it is an amazing song and Andrew’s “gourmet” version deserves more exposure.
C. I’m glad the song will get a wider audience but really think Tomlin’s version is over produced (no surprise!). Really wish he would acknowledge AP as the writer, but that never happens either.
A. I think Christians in general, and Andrew Peterson fans especially, need to stop freaking out about this. There’s enough flaming everywhere in the world. Every issue (and non-issue) gets cranked to 11. People need to take it down a notch. How can we go on living like this? Being upset about everything all the time. Tomlin’s version is nice and nothing different than what anyone would expect from him. I still like Andrew’s version better. Artists performing songs they haven’t written and calling it “my song” happens Every Day. How can we draw conclusions based on one social media post? Who made ya judges? We don’t know Tomlin (or his intern’s) heart.
Let’s follow Andrew’s lead and be gracious in our responses. Everything I’ve ever heard Andrew say or write is always gracious and kind. He speaks the truth I’m love.
Yes! Completely agree.
I’ll go with B but only because I wish it was AP getting the airplay that Tomlin will get. I know I’m replying later here than most of you, but Chris put a video on Facebook talking about the song, it’s writers, and how much the song means to him. AP reposted it so I think he’s ok with all of this. I think it’s great that more people will hear the song and I think that it’s wonderful that it had such an impact on Chris. Yes, his version is a little more shiny, but I’m glad he stayed so close to the original.
A … all the way! This song is dripping with scripture and we know it will not return void – no matter who’s singing it.
(C) I’m torn. It’s good news. And kinda bad news. Ugh. Will Tomlin please retire?
I’m not much of a Tomlin fan — but to be fair, how many people think “Rise Up” and “Lord, Remember Me” were written by Andrew Peterson? I think it’s just a natural consequence of selling your song for someone to cover.
However, AP is quick to tell people Ben wrote those songs. AND they were fairly obscure overall. “Is He Worthy” was quickly becoming a “signature song” for AP – and those are hard to come by.
C, partly because of the “my new song” thing and the quick turnaround time on the cover.
Andrew shared a link to a Facebook video that Chris posted yesterday talking about the song. He said that Andrew and Ben Shive wrote the song and that he was friends with them and he said that they were great song writers. If Andrew is fine with it and getting more attention then that’s is great.
Such C…
D. Tomlin’s version is smothered in CCM bubble gum and syrup. It’s crap.
I think it’s important to remember that we should be doing this to glorify God and less about who did what. If Chris Tomlins version leads even one person to Christ then it was worth it. And God knows what he has has planned for Andrew’s life. If this issue is troubling us that much then we should pray for them. It seems like Chris did give credit in at least one interview and there could possibly be more, but we shouldn’t focus on the one that he didn’t give credit on,hes human and God knows his heart more than we do.
Answer A- Chris Tomlin made a long, live introduction on Facebook and gave all the credit to AP and saying how this song touched him personally. AP also made a FB announcement. More exposure, different fan base – so happy for both and what this song will mean to many.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozxFFNPwF6c
video where Chris Tomlin gives all the credit to Andrew and Ben (anyone who knows
AP’s songs know Ben collaborates on much of the music in Andrew’s songs.)
This is a great video to watch and it includes CT, AP, and BS’s take on the song
A – it brings the song to a wider audience, potentially introducing them to Andrew’s other work. Andrew will get some songwriter money from Tomlin singing it, and that will allow him to continue to do all the great work that he and the Rabbit Room crew do on a regular basis. It’s net win for those of us who love the “under the radar” stuff.
Howdy, folks. It’s 11:00 and I just got back to the hotel after tonight’s show in Indiana. I wanted to chime in really quick and say a few things. First, I’m so glad you guys have opinions on the matter! It tells me you care about the song, and by extension, me. Please hear me: I receive your defensiveness about the song as affection and support. However, you should know a few things.
1) Chris is a great fan of my music. We’ve gotten to know each other a bit over the years, partly because he comes to the BTLOG shows whenever he can, and I really like him.
2) I was immediately thrilled that he wanted to cover “Is He Worthy?” People (including me) cover other people’s songs all the time, and it’s about the highest compliment one songwriter can pay another. When a songwriter has a platform like Chris’s, it’s an even bigger thrill.
3) His album HOLY ROAR was due to release this fall, and he had probably chosen all the songs already before he heard this one. The fact that he put this one on it was a small miracle because, from my understanding, they had to do it at the eleventh hour in order to make the deadline. Ben and I were texting and emailing them parts and files in a hurry to help as much as we could. We wanted the song to be on his record, and we wanted it to be great. Not only that, Chris and Ed were very concerned about honoring the original version. They let us hear the progress and even asked for input. Of course there will be differences, and that’s part of the fun of covers, you know? It’s fine if you prefer mine to his, but PLEASE don’t insult him or his producers. Build up. Don’t tear down. That’s in the Bible. 🙂 And for the record, there are some things in Chris’s version that I totally love.
4) One reason I’m glad Chris is covering it is that he’s helping song leaders around the country imagine themselves playing it in their own churches. While I hear from lots of people who are singing it in their churches, I also hear people say they’d like to but they’re not sure how it would work, whether because of the liturgical vibe or the intimidating piano part. I’ve led it with a guitar and it worked great. Ben’s church sometimes does it with just quarter notes/chords on the piano, and after a few weeks his church settled on signing the questions and the answers the whole time. There are several ways to simplify it, and this will help people figure that out.
5) Here’s the biggest thing I want to say. Imagine with me for a moment. If I asked God to let me write and sing about him twenty five years ago, and much of my music has been about trying to draw people’s hearts towards the beauty of Jesus and the Gospel, and a friend of mine texted one day and said, “I want to help one of these songs reach as many people as possible,” and then the song was a hit and millions of people sang it to worship the King, and most of the world came to think of that song as the OTHER guy’s song, and I resented that even a little bit–then, folks, my whole career would be one giant exercise in missing the point. Sure, you have to do some self-promotion, but the whole time you’re hoping the work takes on a life of its own and exists outside of the artist’s sphere. You want the kids to grow up and move out of the house, so to speak. When you sing “It Is Well With My Soul,” you aren’t usually thinking about Phillip Paul Bliss and the tragedy that led to those gorgeous words. I think we’d all agree that the hymn has transcended the hymn-writer. It isn’t his song anymore, it’s the church’s. And for a song like “Is He Worthy?” that’s exactly what I want.
So, while i understand the range of emotions you guys have expressed over this, it’s really simple. I wrote a song about Jesus. I want lots of people to sing it to him. Chris is helping that happen. And if more folks discover my other songs in the process, and I get to keep making more music, then awesome. I’ll take it.
Thanks, all!
D- Chris Tomlin has had many big hits. Andrew has only a couple small radio hits. Let Andrew have this one!
If Chris Tomlin wants to record this song too, fine. But record it two years from now on his next album. That way Andrew and Tomlin can both have a hit. Also, having the song hit the charts two different years by two different artists will help the song endure. This is a double chance to spread the Gospel . Having competing versions of the same song will hinder both goals and show division in the CCM field instead of showcasing Christian unity.
BTW- how did Tomlin get the rights to this song? If Andrew fully cooperated, the entire question is moot.
I’m reiterating what’s already been said. Happy that residuals will help AP support his family. Grateful so many will hear this beautiful song. Sad that the Tomlin version is so plain vanilla. AP’s version carries his passion and the passion of his community who formed the choir. There was a special anointing on the song not just because of what was written, but because of AP’s unique voice (not just his singing voice, but because of his unique experience in relationship with Christ ).
SUCH A special song when AP does it. I hope His is the song that keeps traveling far and wide.
If this ends up in a nice payoff for AP that allows him to continue to make uncompromised art, good for him. And if the song takes on a life of its own and points more people to Jesus with the new exposure and versions, good for everyone. At least Tomlin didn’t try to put his own stamp on it with a cheesy new bridge. Maybe later AP can start a support group with Charlie Peacock and comiserate over this song and that one “DC Talk” song. 🙂
Give me AP’s version. Honestly sick of Chris Tomlin. His only big hits are songs he did not write. It kinda ticks me off that CT gets all the praise for other people’s songs. I about came unglued when I heard him on KLOVE say, this is my new song…..HA! Quit piggy backing on other’s successes CT. The most overrated christian singer Ive ever heard.
Andrew Peterson is a God gifted artist so why aren’t we hearing him on mainstream Christian radio?? Not that I haven’t been ministered to by other artists but…Its the same artists and songs over and over and over. Thank goodness for my ipod.
Chris Tomlin is a very real, genuine Believer, and I will never have any doubt that he will give credit where credit is due. I’ve heard him do this numerous times. When an artist tweets, or instagrams, or whatever-way says hey here’s “my new song,” they simply mean their newest recording. I don’t believe that he intends to take credit away from AP. Tomlin is an honorable person and always credits the writers.
C – I love this song; it makes me cry everytime I hear it. Part of me is grateful that it is reaching a wider audience, but I love Andrew Peterson’s version of it. I have not been impressed by Chris Tomlin promoting it as “my” new song. The Bible states that “a workman is worthy of his hire”. Chris Tomlin should have given due credit to Peterson.
C. And it really bugs me that NEITHER of the youtube videos posted by christomlinmusic credit AP anywhere in the posting. So I did it myself in the comments.
I love that AP commented here and that he and Ben were both involved directly with Tomlin. It does bug me that neither Tomlin versions on YouTube credit the original songwriters. Now add that Shane and Shane have a pretty amazing version out as well. I am glad people are discovering and worshipping through this great song!
I was quite bothered hearing Chris Tomlin say, on KLove Radio, that HE wrote this song, when I knew I’d heard and watched Andrew Peterson’s video and recording on this song, months ago. I think Chris Tomlin needs to humble himself, tell the truth and give credit where credit is due on this awesome song – IT ISN’T HIS… HE DIDN’T WRITE IT… Therefore, he is telling a lie! That’s not ok, AT ALL!
Also, what kind of message does this send, not only about him but about Christian musicians, in general????
If every good and perfect gift comes down from the father of lights, can anyone take credit for anything they write? Who’s song is it anyway?
This powerful song focuses on God in a wonderful way. Not sure the artists are as concerned as those who are expressing their likes or dislikes about things that don’t matter. I love and am moved by both versions.
The musicality of the Andrew Peterson original is far above that of Chris Tomlin’s cover – that’s just a fact. I appreciate the generous, loving and humble spirit of Andrew as he shares his gift with all of us – in original form and covered. May the message go forth in peace. ☺️
I wanted to say “D,” but since I have only a few Christian artists that I listen to, I’ll just enjoy the original and leave it at that.
I like APs version better, but it’s a wonderful thing to happen to him from a financial and exposure standpoint. I also remember when Michael W Smith covered Chris Tomlin before anyone knew who Chris Tomlin was. Nobody actually tells who wrote songs in a sound bite, but they get the royalty checks and the awards – to the glory of God!
A – AP knows Chris and he gave Chris his Blessing when he could have just said no.
After listening to Chris Tomlin’s “Is HE worthy?” On KLove, which was such a worship filled song, my next ? was who wrote it? Then I found the You tube version by Andrew Peterson, which put me back into the same worship mode again! Awesome incredible words, music, song! May the heavens ring the praises of our GREAT GOD. So glad you and Chris shared this song to such a larger expanding audience!
Thank you so much for this article!! I feel EXACTLY the same way!!! And now Shane & Shane covered the song on their live record “Hymns”. AP definitely deserves more credit for the song, Because HE WROTE IT!!!
“It is true that some preach the gospel out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that i’m put here for the defense of the Gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” Philippians 1: 15-18
It seems that Andrew Peterson is rejoicing – let us rejoice with him together. We don’t have enough facts about Chris Tomlin and his motives to judge why he is doing this – let us defer judgement to God. It seems as though these fans are trying to do what the Philippians did in Paul’s day, which was to take sides with against each other as to who was the better preacher. By doing this, we begin to destroy the integrity of the song, which would be a tremendous shame. When I heard Christ Tomlin’s song, I almost couldn’t praise God for the truths that are in it. This is an indictment against me, not against Chris Tomlin. This is what disunity does. The whole point of the song is not who is singing it, but that we are answering the questions in the song as one body in Christ. It is meant to be liturgical not divisive. Inadvertently, fans of Peterson’s, just might be destroying the ethos of Peterson’s work.
Well – considering that I had never even heard the song before it started being played in the radio, I think that it’s really great that Chris Tomlin got permission to record it. I’m one of those others who rely on Christian radio to hear new music. And after all, it’s not like CT sneaked in and stole a song. Lots of artists recorded Carole King songs and made them famous before she finally got her break as a recording artist.
And those of you with such horrible feelings towards a brother in the Lord really need to check what is going on in your own heart and ask God to purge that yucky stuff outta there.
I feel cheated every time I hear Tomlin’s recording after hearing Andrew at SING !
There simply is no comparison to the soul with which Andrew sings it !
Anybody know why KLOVE won’t play this song anymore? I listen to KLOVE all day and haven’t heard it in months.
C. I felt betrayed because I had a real love for AP and saw him and wife in concert many years ago, had no doubt he wrote it when I heard it in 2018. when I heard it again in 2019 I was like wait, the song changed a little, why? the thought that C T was so “my song” about it makes me nauseous. I started out writing songs myself in 1997, moved to Nashville in 2001,and saw that dynamic and went a different route in life. I think it speaks to the very little appreciation for raw talent and how we worship technology and supped up versions of things. That natural talent and inspired song came through AP’s relationship with God. Now, having said that, the CT version is almost identical and still a blessing, still annointed, but how lucky was he to get to sing it? and not to realize that publicly is a shame.
We’re not sticking our nose into the comments too much, b/c it’s okay to use this platform to vent a little or to share your feelings and perspective. We’re leaving the first 80% of what you said alone. But we do think it’s worth noting a couple of things… (a) CT has publicly acknowledged and honored AP *and* Ben Shive [the song was a co-write and not necessarily the inspiration of one person’s relationship with God] on multiple occasions in the last 1.5 years; and (b) AP and Ben are being compensated through royalties, which is another form of honoring the work of songwriters. Our hunch is that AP wouldn’t rewrite this story. He has indicated he’s thrilled how CT’s platform took that song to a worldwide level, and I think CT does feel blessed to represent that song.
C). Here’s my beef: In addition to the tweet passing it off as “my song.” take a look at the YouTube page for the song, there is a lengthy credits section (click Show More after the first couple lines) and the full lyrics–and nowhere is there credit to Peterson. Anyone looking at that credits page would assume it was Tomlin’s, especially since he writes a lot of his own stuff. How much trouble would it have been to give a line of credit, Music and Lyrics by Andrew Peterson, in that beginning? At the same time, Tomlin would not have been able to use this song without permission. Surely this wasn’t done without AP’s blessing (unless his music co/publisher owns the rights and didn’t care what he thought, which is not likely). If AP gave his blessing, who are we to second guess this song an God’s word reaching a wider audience?
Hi Robert… I think what you just described is why we originally wrote this article in 2018. Of course there is the “big picture” of more people hearing & more churches singing this song [and yes AP did give his blessing]. But it doesn’t erase this unusual tension. I think that AP has been an “underdog” artist his whole career, so there is a contingency that is rooting for him in a big way. And let’s face it, everyone sort of knew it from jump street, “Is He Worthy” is a career-defining song. It’s his “El Shaddai” (which was written by Michael Card not Amy Grant), it’s his “The Great Adventure.” So (a) this whole thing shows a humility and graciousness of AP because he wanted that song to bless the Church – and not just bless his career, and (b) it does create that unusual tension within AP fans who really want to see him get more credit for the song… or kind of felt that “defining” song was taken by a bigger platform [kind of like if Rich Mullins released “Awesome God” in 1988, but then Sandi Patty released it just 6 months later because her platform was bigger. There’s a good side to the wider exposure, and there’s also a feeling of wanting to protect and care for the underdog artist.]