10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)

Matt Redman and Jonas Myrin

Matt Redman and Jonas Myrin are two of the most influential figures in contemporary Christian music (CCM) and modern hymnody. While both are successful solo artists and songwriters in their own right, their collaborative partnership has produced some of the most widely sung congregational songs of the 21st century. Their work is characterized by a "theocentric" focus—prioritizing the character and attributes of God over subjective human experience—and a high degree of musical accessibility.

Matt Redman (b. 1974)

Matt Redman is an English worship leader and author who was a central figure in the Soul Survivor youth movement in the UK. He is often credited with helping to spark a global "worship revolution" in the late 1990s. Redman's philosophy of worship is perhaps best summarized by his classic song "The Heart of Worship," which emphasizes that worship is not about the music or the production, but about a sincere connection with Jesus. He has won multiple Grammy Awards and is a prolific author, writing books such as The Unquenchable Worshipper and 10,000 Reasons.

Jonas Myrin (b. 1982)

Jonas Myrin is a Swedish singer, songwriter, and producer based in Los Angeles. While he is a powerhouse in the Christian music world—having worked extensively with Hillsong Worship—he also has a significant career in mainstream pop, co-writing for artists like Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, and Andrea Bocelli. Myrin’s strength lies in his melodic craftsmanship and his ability to blend grand, anthemic structures with intimate, prayerful lyrics.

The Landmark Collaboration: "10,000 Reasons"

The most famous result of their partnership is the song "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)," released in 2011. The song was an immediate global phenomenon, winning two Grammy Awards (Best Contemporary Christian Music Song and Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance) and staying at the top of the Christian charts for over half a year.

• Scriptural Basis: The song is primarily based on Psalm 103, mirroring the "Bless the Lord, O my soul" refrain.

• Structure: It follows a classic hymn-like progression, moving from the morning of a new day to the "evening" of life, ending with a focus on eternity.

• Impact: It has been translated into dozens of languages and is a staple in diverse denominations, from traditional liturgical churches to modern charismatic fellowships.

Other Key Collaborations

Beyond their biggest hit, Redman and Myrin have co-written numerous songs that have shaped the modern church's repertoire:

Shared Songwriting Philosophy

The Redman-Myrin partnership is often cited as a model for "collaborative hymnody." Their approach typically includes:

• The "Sixteenth" Rule: A commitment to making sure the melody is "servant" to the lyrics, ensuring that a person in a congregation can sing the intervals easily.

• Doctrinal Depth: Avoiding "fluff" in favor of strong theological imagery (e.g., using terms like "Cornerstone," "Holy Name," and "Unending Love").

• Global Sensibility: Because of their diverse backgrounds (UK and Sweden), they write songs that resonate across cultural and national boundaries.