“Promises” by Maverick City Music, featuring Joe L. Barnes and Naomi Raine, is the worship anthem about God’s faithfulness that topped both the Hot Christian Songs and Hot Gospel Songs charts. Released as a single on May 3, 2021, from the collective’s debut live album Maverick City Vol. 3 Part 1, it went Platinum, earned GMA Dove Award nominations, and became one of the defining gospel songs of the decade. This Promises Maverick City lyrics guide covers everything around the song: the story behind it, what it means, and why it connected with millions.
Key Takeaways
- Written by Aaron Moses, Dante Bowe, Joe L. Barnes, Keila Alvarado, Lemuel Marin, Phillip Carrington Gaines (songwriting camp).
- Single May 3, 2021; from Maverick City Vol. 3 Part 1 (April 17, 2020).
- No. 1 Hot Christian Songs AND Hot Gospel Songs; Platinum; Billboard’s 3rd biggest gospel song of 2022.
- Central declaration: “Great is Your faithfulness to me.”
The Story Behind the Song
Born at a Maverick City songwriting camp — diverse worship leaders creating outside industry boxes. Captured live at 1971 Sounds, Atlanta, with the Maverick City Music Choir. Released as second single May 3, 2021 — as churches regathered post-pandemic, a song about kept promises landed perfectly.
What “Promises” Is About
Covenant theology, plain: God of Abraham keeps covenants; faithfulness independent of circumstances. Pre-chorus: storms acknowledged, “I’ll remain steadfast.” Chorus: “Great is Your faithfulness to me” — Lamentations 3:22-23, written in grief, not after it. Bridge: “from age to age” — God’s track record as reason for present trust.
Joe L. Barnes and Naomi Raine: The Voices
Barnes: conversational warmth. Raine: earned lift. Trading lines then joining — a conversation between believers.
Chart History and Recognition
No. 1 on both Christian and Gospel charts (rare double); No. 11 Bubbling Under Hot 100; Billboard #3 gospel song of 2022; Platinum; Dove nominations (Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year; Song of the Year 2022).
Why Churches Embraced It So Quickly
Easy to sing (comfortable range, unforgettable chorus); teaches while it sings (covenant theology in plain language); meets people in hardship (funeral song, hospital-room song, hard-season song).
The Song in Personal Worship
Verses for trust, pre-chorus names struggle, chorus as repeatable prayer. Works alone in a car — streaming stayed strong post-radio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who sings it?
Maverick City Music feat. Joe L. Barnes and Naomi Raine.
When released?
Single May 3, 2021; album April 17, 2020.
Who wrote it?
Moses, Bowe, Barnes, Alvarado, Marin, Gaines.
Chart performance?
No. 1 both charts; No. 11 Bubbling Under; Billboard #3 gospel 2022; Platinum.
What Bible verse?
Lamentations 3:22-23; covenant promises from Abraham.
Award nominations?
Dove Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year; Song of the Year 2022.
Conclusion
The oldest thing in the faith, feeling brand new. On any given Sunday, somewhere, a room full of people sings “Great is Your faithfulness to me” — and means it.
