Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) – English Lyrics

• By: Hillsong United

Lyrics & Translation

Learning a language can be a journey into the unknown, much like the theme of "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)." This song offers a beautiful opportunity to explore English through its poetic and emotionally resonant lyrics. The repetition in the chorus and the clear, heartfelt vocals of Taya Smith make it accessible for learners, while the song's profound message of faith and courage can inspire you to step out of your comfort zone, both in language learning and in life.

[English]

Let me walk upon the water

Wherever you would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Saviour

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever you would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Saviour

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Saviour

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever you would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Saviour

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
walk /wɔːk/ A1	verb - to move at a regular pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once.
water /ˈwɔːtər/ A1	noun - a clear, colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid, a compound of hydrogen and oxygen, that falls as rain and is the basis of rivers, lakes, oceans, etc.
call /kɔːl/ A1	verb - to say something in a loud voice
feet /fiːt/ A1	noun - the part of the leg below the ankle that a person stands on.
deeper /ˈdiːpər/ A2	adjective - extending far down from the top or surface
wander /ˈwɒndər/ B1	verb - to move about or travel without a fixed course or purpose
faith /feɪθ/ B1	noun - complete trust or confidence in someone or something.
stronger /ˈstrɒŋɡər/ B1	adjective - having the power to move heavy objects or perform physical actions; having great physical power.
presence /ˈprezəns/ B2	noun - the state or fact of being present, especially in a place.
Saviour /ˈseɪvjər/ B2	noun - a person who saves someone or something from danger.
Spirit /ˈspɪrɪt/ B2	noun - the nonphysical part of a person, often considered to be their soul or essence.
lead /liːd/ B1	verb - take (a person or animal) somewhere.
trust /trʌst/ B1	noun - firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something.
borders /ˈbɔːrdərz/ B2	noun - a line separating two countries, administrative divisions, or other areas.

Key Grammar Structures

• Let me walk upon the water

  ➔ Subjunctive mood (hortative)

  ➔ The phrase 'Let me...' expresses a strong desire or request. It's a hortative subjunctive, urging action. The verb 'walk' is in its base form after 'Let'.

• Wherever you would call me

  ➔ Conditional mood (second conditional)

  ➔ The use of 'would' indicates a hypothetical situation. It suggests that the speaker will go *if* called. 'Wherever' functions as a conjunctive adverb introducing a conditional clause.

• Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

  ➔ Subjunctive mood (expressing a wish/desire), comparative adjective

  ➔ 'Take' is in the imperative mood, expressing a direct command/request. 'Deeper' is a comparative adjective, indicating a greater degree of depth. 'Could wander' expresses potential ability, but limited by the speaker's physical capacity.

• And my faith will be made stronger

  ➔ Passive voice, future simple

  ➔ 'Will be made' is the passive voice, indicating that faith is *receiving* the action of being strengthened, rather than actively strengthening itself. 'Stronger' is a comparative adjective.

• Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

  ➔ Imperative mood, relative clause, prepositional phrase

  ➔ 'Lead' is an imperative verb, directly addressing the Spirit. 'Where my trust is without borders' is a relative clause modifying 'where', describing the location. 'Without borders' is a prepositional phrase.