How a powerful song of uplifting praise emerged from the depths of lockdown despair
Rob Westall’s new single ‘Jesus Rock on which I stand,’ is out today (March 11th) and is available on all digital platforms and from Rob’s merch page to download and keep forever.
It is the follow-up single to Rob’s UK Christian number one single ‘Never let me go,’ and defiantly declares “I will fear, for you are here”.
Yet the origins of this high tempo, guitar-driven declaration of faith, may surprise you as Rob reveals in the following article.
Standing on the rock of salvation as the mental strain of lockdown hit hard
The adverse effects of lockdown on our mental health have been well-publicised in the media. And Rob Westall’s latest single, ‘Jesus Rock on which I stand,’ was written at a time when it all got too much for the singer.
The uplifting nature of the high tempo, guitar-driven, hope-filled anthem is all the more surprising considering it was written whilst the worship leader was at a particularly low-ebb mentally.
“I used to suffer very badly from depression when I was younger,” said Rob Westall.
“During lockdown, with the kids at home and no space or room to think, it all got too much one day.
“It was like a black cloud around my head, getting tighter and tighter and I felt paralysed emotionally and unable to cope.
“I turned to prayer and talked to God about it and asked Him to help, I read the Bible and turned to the Psalms in particular. As I often do in such circumstances, I also picked up my guitar.
“I wasn't trying to write a song, but one came.”
Another thing that surprised Rob was the fact that the song was so upbeat considering how he was feeling.
“Usually when I feel down and find myself with a guitar, I tend to naturally reflect my mood in what I’m playing or writing, using minor chords,” he said.
"Yet I found myself defiantly declaring the truth I had read in the Psalms to a fast tempo and not a reflective style of melody, despite feeling the worst I had felt for years.
“The song was finished very quickly, and it wasn’t until a friend called me shortly afterward and asked how I was that I realised that the dark cloud around my head had lifted.”
‘Jesus Rock on which I stand’ is the latest song to emerge from the sing-songwriter’s new worship album out later this year and part of the 1,000 voices project which invites as many people as possible to sing on the recording.
Rob hopes sharing his experience and song will help people who find themselves in a similar situation.
“The mental strains of lockdown are all too real,” he added, “and as we keep hearing on the news, the times we live in are unprecedented.
“I’m not saying it’s always this simple for the dark clouds to lift. But in my situation and in this instance, I truly believe as a songwriter, that God took me to that place for a reason and I hope it helps people in similar position.
“I ended up sharing the song that night on my streaming show - Social Distancing Live during lockdown.
“I received so many messages afterward saying how that song had helped that I knew early on that we had to record it and include it on the album and get it out there as soon as possible.
“Steve Quantick, whose birthday it is today (March 11th) came up with an incredible guitar sound and the boys really lifted it with the parts they recorded for the studio.
“I hope it helps and leads people to the ultimate hope and firm foundation - Jesus - the rock on which I stand.”
‘Jesus rock on which I Stand’ is available from all digital streaming sites and to download and keep forever via Rob Westall’s website:
