"How He Loves": The True Meaning of a Beautiful Song

►►Get My Free Magical Songwriting Process for Lyric Writers: eepurl.com/dlRMCf
"How He Loves" is a powerful song with a lot to say. Let me explain.
►►Join a community of songwriters & get songwriting advice from me: goo.gl/WwXQXk
►►Watch these videos for lyric writing help: goo.gl/KoC6Ee
►►Check out camera equipment, books, & games I recommend: goo.gl/nRzEuT
Let's get to know each other!
►►My Instagram: / cliffordstumme
►►My Twitter: / cliffordstumme
►►My PODCAST: goo.gl/9ZTE3f
►►My website: www.popsongprofessor.com
THE TEAM
►►Thumbnail designer (for most videos): missoyola_art - / missoyola_art
►►Video editor (for most videos): Courtney D. - / courtnayedean
DISCLAIMER FOR RECORD LABELS:
The content of this educational video is covered by fair use. My work is transformative and adds interpretation and analysis to the original work much as happens when I teach poetry in a university classroom. When I explain songs, I rarely use more the lyrics or short clips of the original song or music video and do not hurt the song’s salability or provide a market substitute. All copyright claims will be disputed and appealed. Please see me as your ally as I use a literary perspective to enable fans to understand and enjoy your wonderful and interesting piece of music.

[@HH-lr2zt]

My friend Kam sang this song at our high school talent show with no backing track, just his guitar. He didn't win, but he got a standing ovation and was able to witness to an auditorium full of people. I could feel the Holy Spirit rushing through the room. This song, it's message, and it's impact are all so amazing.

[@miss.believer5271]

“Sloppy wet” VS. “Unforeseen” Let the debate begin...

[@jennhook2295]

Seriously haha. My chapel band decided on unforeseen so people don’t get distracted or laugh at sloppy wet kiss

[@NotGayBen]

It's unforseen

[@miss.believer5271]

J Hook7 Our old church used to say “sloppy wet”, but now our new church goes with “unforeseen”

[@Bruh-jo4lb]

Sloppy wet is kinda gross, but unforeseen sounds more boring.

[@cadebennett8918]

Team sloppy wet

[@cheyannkinsey5041]

As a christian and a worship leader I have played and prayed using this song to speak to God and speak to hearts wanting to connect with God in truly vulnerable ways. John in an interview says "it's not a worship song but I play it like it is, its a story about a guy named steven meeting God in person for the first time.." I believe it mirrors not only the story of his best friend meeting God but the story of the stoning of Steven. During some of my life deepest hurts when I myself find I am angry with God and hurting I play this song, sing, or just speak the lyrics until the pain has passed enough to remind my soul all things work together for good and God can and will turn the worst to the best because of how much he loves us. Love is not a clean simple thing the reason he writes "Sloppy Wet Kiss" is because somehow modern idealization of love is this simple clean perfect thing when really true love is wet, messy, vulnerable, and imperfectly perfect.

[@nicholashudak7050]

YES! John Mark McMillan is finally getting some love! For anyone wanting to get into McMillan, his best album is "Mercury & Lightning" which came out last year, seriously, it's fantastic, truly one of my favorite albums of all time. "How He Loves" changed how I look at God, "Mercury & Lightning" changed how I look at faith. Oh, and #TeamSloppyWetKiss

[@maxonmendel5757]

Yessss m&l is just perfect. And I loved the sessions he released this past summer.

[@Design_Spark_]

The first time I ever heard this song was at the funeral of a friend that died from a concussion. He was only 16, and the entire community came together and we sang this song. I have never known it before, but after feeling the voices of 200 friends, families, and neighbors sing it in praise for God while in mourning for someone so young was nothing short of a spiritual experience. It definitely is more powerful the larger the crowd and more passionate the people are. Its breath taking

[@mcwhineyfamilyfilms]

I was at winter jam earlier this year and when david crowder started playing this the entire crowd started singing along and he couldnt finish because of how hard he was crying

[@oliviad1536]

I also went to winter jam that year and it was so beautiful. Everyone in that room was so engaged with what was happening and what he was singing. Thousands of people in one room singing that song was insane.

[@miss.believer5271]

Woah...I didn’t know the story behind this song. It’s really cool to see how he turned his pain into a song of praise. I’m really glad you did a video on this!! 😁

[@yohananbadgardener]

This is awesome! I hope you do more Christian songs that are good and deep, like Switchfoot, Relient K, and NEEDTOBREATHE stuff! And Please! I’m Begging you! Do one for How Long by Jordan Feliz! It’s so cool and deep, it requires more of a deconstruction than an Explanation really!

[@gracihicks7691]

I sing with the worship band at my church and we just sang this song yesterday! Every time we play it you can feel the congregation being moved, which really is the best part of playing/singing with the worship band.

[@jarrettslusher7151]

I remember I was in middle school and at that time I was dealing with being bullied and figuring out who I really was as a person. When my youth group sang this, the lights came on and I saw that there was someone who truly loved me for my dorky, weird, teenage self. Finally, there was someone who got me, who really knew who I was and had purpose for my existence. I found One who also faced hardship and ridicule from others, only to use His sacrifice to bring life to the world and myself. It was C.S. Lewis' quote come to life, "Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one.'" When I heard and sang this song, I found that I was not alone. Instead, God was with me; still is :)

[@kayvancamp8610]

I love this song! Clicked so fast when I saw this! Thank u for sharing this for me and God bless u.

[@crazyrainbowmonkey5550]

Miss Unicorn I clicked days too lol

[@brittanywilliams5010]

This is my favorite Christian song. I'm not typically a fan of contemporary Christian music but I love this one. Thanks for the reminder...

[@blairenoel]

This song has hit me in different ways throughout my walk with Christ. The most fresh in my mind was after a moment of profound repentance, where I had felt the weight of my own sinfulness and turned away from it, choosing Jesus instead. The line, "I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way He loves us," hit me hard that night as I was leading worship. I don't need to hold on to my regrets because God doesn't see them when I lay them at the feet of His Son on the cross. He sees the perfect, pleasing, sinless life of Jesus and welcomes me into His family.

[@maxonmendel5757]

Tearing up only 2 minutes in 😂 This song was one of the first ones I learned to play and sing. More than that, it was one of the first songs I felt comfortable worshipping to... I remember when I was in 5th grade and middle school, going through a really rough patch in my life. We did this one a lot at youth group, and it always grounded me and helped me remember my father's plans for me. This song really is the freebird of Christian music, but in the right setting it can shake walls and change hearts. God is just so big. If you're still searching, keep searching. Theres so much there to find. But dont forget that the Cross of Christ is a reminder of how much Father God loves us.

[@aileendelaney658]

I clicked as soon as I saw John mark mcmillan!! He is one of my favorite Christians artists and is SO underrated!!! And this song of his is one of my favorites- it always moves my heart in ways other Christian music doesn’t. He is a really incredible musician and his albums mercury & lightning and borderland are my favorites by him

[@kimcass4440]

This song became important to me in a huge turning point in my life. I grew up as a Christian fundamentalist, and contemporary Christian songs were considered sinful. My head was filled with theology and laws, but no love or grace. This song taught me to listen, to feel, to marinate in the fact that my God loves me. It’s one of my favorites. (And I love John Mark McMillan-Death in His Grave is another fav.)

[@chattypiano-pianovocalcove3453]

This was the first worship song that I ever learned on piano! I got really excited when you posted this!

[@loganmowry2687]

You seriously red my mind! I have been listening to this song recently like crazy! It's really been helping me through some things lately. I was listening to it when you uploaded the video. Thank you!

[@merritt9648]

Yeah this was the first song to ever make me cry from the pure emotion of the lyrics and people singing it (still the only one) It's still one of my favorite worship songs.

[@dattaffy8685]

David Crowder's cover was the first time I heard the song. It's the only song I have memorized. What struck me in the song is, "Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes. If His grace is an ocean, we're all sinking." I'm mystified at how many times God forgives me after all the wrong I have done. But then I'm told, "Grace is a gift." The song is a reminder that my strength is in Him and I cannot earn salvation.

[@Summer-tc2rc]

I'm not crying, you're crying. This has definitely been a very powerful song in my life. I knew the original, but I didn't know the story!

[@jufcykproductions]

Miraculous! I just covered this song myself with my buddy! I knew that John Mark McMillan wrote this in the process of dealing with some grief but I had no idea about this marvelous miracle! Praise God!

[@maxonmendel5757]

Sloppy wet Also I wanna share a little bit of the music theory (I'm not Adam neely though so I only know what I know) The chord progression is C Am G F Those four chords are super handy and very common in worship music because they're so easy to play. The song is in the key of C, so C is the root (or do). Thats just a great place to start a song, tbh. It jumps to the relative minor which is A(or la). It doesnt sound much different, just a little wistful or angsty. The two chords are very similar in structure, except the bottom note in the Am chord makes it a minor triad. Then it moves to a 5 chord (G, or fa), which points us back to the root. Because it only shares one note with the 1 chord, and because of the 'leading tone' in the triad, which is the 7th note (or ti) in the major scale, the 5 chord really wants to resolve to the root. It sounds like the end of the progression, and it has dominant function. Instead, the next chord we hear is the 4 chord (F or fa). Its a bit more airy, or suspended. It's an easy and simple chord to use earlier in a progression because it has sub dominant function, which basically just means its leading the listener along somewhere. For reference, its the second chord you hear in the Tom Petty song 'Free fallin'' (Cliff pls do that song sometime. I just wanna know what Muholland is.) So the chord progression sounds and feels almost like getting blown in the wind or being tossed around by waves. It's not dissonant at all, but theres an element of instability cause it subverts the listeners expectations. It really is beautiful. And as the listener hears it descending from the 1 chord, to the 6 minor chord, to the 5, it feels really sad and somber. And then that 4 chord comes in and lifts everything else up. Yeah that's all I know so... thanks for watching be sure to like and subscribe.

[@judeparsons9038]

We played this song this year in my church in Melbourne Australia. It’s such a beautiful song in comparison to the incredibly dull and repetitive Christian music now days (*cough *cough Hillsong *cough). It really paints a picture of Gods love with such descriptions as a bending tree or a kiss. So refreshing to hear this song. Can’t wait to see more powerful Christian song lyrics being explained!

[@chey0099]

If you haven't heard the original song, plz look it up. The last part will have you crying for weeks.

[@abigailalvarado9507]

I love this song. In my room I worship to it and reminds me of his love and makes me cry sometimes.

[@curlalot7623]

Dude I love this song. Too many worship sessions singing my lungs out. Thanks for sharing a way to the gospel with your fans!

[@amandalandingham7697]

I’ve been watching your videos for so long, because you explain so well, but this one just made me extra happy just so you know :) I’m 23 now, was raised a believer but fell away pretty badly and became a functioning alcoholic at 14, and was “leading worship” while totally dismissing God, and then I attempted suicide where I surely shouldn’t have woken up, but the second I woke up from that attempt I heard someone in my ear say “I’m not done with you yet” and to be honest, it freaked me out because I was alone haha but I realized it was Jesus, and the night I rededicated my life was at a high school camp and my now husband led How He Loves, and I’ll never forget hearing it for the first time and I fell down crying my eyes out because of how desperately I needed to hear the words, and how true they are to me, and now it’s remained my favorite song of all time and when the going gets rough, I blast it. This is way more information than you probably care about so I’m sorry for sharing so much, but a few years later after my husband and I got married, I found out we were having twin boys which was my dream to be a mom someday, and twins were like my biggest dream so when we found out I couldn’t have been more ecstatic, but I unfortunately went into preterm labor and they were born very very young, but they lived a couple of days where we just got to soak up every second with them and they were the best days of my life, but unfortunately, Luca my “second born” went to heaven 39 hours after being born due to lung complications, and we were crying harder than we ever had before as we held him and he went from warm to cold, and we couldn’t even fathom what was happening or why, and we couldn’t fathom the excruciating pain we felt in that moment, but we started singing that quietly to ourselves and randomly a few of the nurses who were crying with us began to sing it as well and the whole room filled with a sweet scent as everyone sang and Luca radiated this beautiful strong sweet and almost citrusy scent like the aroma of heaven or something as we sang How He loves, and a few days later we also lost our Kaden who was healthy but went to heaven from a broken heart (he genuinely couldn’t handle Luca not being there anymore since they were twins and together constantly) and the same thing happened, and the same aroma filled the room, and all of their clothes and blankets that they were wearing STILL have this smell. I didn’t have the will to live anymore after that happened but once again Jesus ravished my heart and brought new hope into our life in the darkest season we’ve ever experienced and now we are expecting a beautiful, perfect healthy baby girl named Selah Grace and I sing this song over her everyday because this song reminds me of just how deeply He loves me even through the hell we’ve faced, He’s promised us so much time and time again and she’s our rainbow after the worst storm. Sorry for sharing so much, it just meant so much to me and put a massive smile on my face that you uploaded this and you shared the lyrics so perfectly and so divinely to what I feel in my heart when I sing this. I’m OBSESSED with your Twenty One Pilots explanations and you’re always so right one and those videos always get me stoked but this one was just extra special. So thank you for explaining this in a way I personally can’t. You pulled the words out of my mouth and I’m so proud of you for posting this regardless of what people may say. I truly mean that! Thank you for this. You’re lovely and you have such a beautiful and powerful gift, don’t ever be ashamed to use it :)

[@richardvargas8289]

David Crowder Band!! First time I heard the song

[@nichole4995]

This is the song I listen to when I get really upset because my dad is dead. This song is very symbolistic for my life. It reminds me of God's love for me and it is a powerful song. Great song.

[@crazyrainbowmonkey5550]

I love this song so much, I thought crowder made the song until now. I’m so happy to know your a Christian too ! I look forward to watching more of your videos. Also thanks for reminding me of the song

[@tessac.2954]

Still waiting on those Melanie Martinez song explanations🤔😛

[@elizabethblanton5928]

Tessa Compton she’s a rapist. no.

[@tessac.2954]

Elizabeth Blanton What??

[@maxonmendel5757]

🤢

[@victoriabell9546]

I used to go to a private Christian school (where I have since then graduated from in 2016) and we sang this song a lot for chapel from when I got there in 7th grade until 10th grade. I only remember one time in which we sang "sloppy wet kiss" and the rest of the time we sang "unforeseen kiss" because, I guess, like some other people said in the comments and replies, they didn't want the students to be distracted by it. But, yeah, this song has helped me in some ways. It has helped me calm down, in spite of what was happening around me.

[@nerdyfox5544]

It actually kind of reminds me of some of the Psalms that David wrote. It came from pain, but as the psalm progress, you see how he turns his pain into praise

[@elizabethblanton5928]

we sing this song at camp all the time, this makes it mean so much more. thank you!

[@jmelara324]

Sloppy Wet Kiss.

[@anson-eggerss]

J Melara I hate that version😂😂unforeseen kiss is so much better

[@jmelara324]

Anson Eggerss I remember when I first discovered the original lyric and being really confused.😂

[@brittanywilliams5010]

Unforeseen kiss. Please

[@anson-eggerss]

Brittany Lockhart yes preach it

[@hopejackson3935]

Definitely one of the best worship songs of this time.

[@purplejoeler]

I did not expect to see you do this song on your channel

[@ThePopSongProfessor]

Christmas surprises

[@purplejoeler]

I true Christmas surprise for me would be Relient K XD

[@jazfl0wer]

I adore this song♡ tysm for having such a great variety.

[@ginnykestel9918]

This song among so many other Christian songs, is so powerful and moving for me. There’s nothing like worshipping the Lord and feeling the sense of the Holy Spirit come over you. I love the line “if His grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.” I’ve only heard “unforeseen kiss” lol haha.

[@ThePopSongProfessor]

Indeed a good line.

[@michalaleonor3521]

So amazing to hear stuff like this on KZbin. Very refreshing :) Keep up the good work

[@CousinJustice15652]

Wow, I only knew this as a David Crowder Band song (and, oddly enough, not one I've been overexposed to, despite being a churchgoer my whole life)...Stephen Coffey's prayer request was certainly granted. It's so important to remember that the "good" God promises to His people often looks very different than the "good" we would choose for ourselves.

[@jchandler]

I certainly love this song. It resonates with me in so many parts of my life. I’m glad to see it on this channel. You handled this video well. Keep up the good work!

[@Bruh-jo4lb]

Great video, I’m happy that you were so open and willing to talk about this.

[@leahmikesell9081]

this song has absolutely been powerful in my life.

[@feiganfelix2524]

The song has touch me several times tonight, AGAIN!

[@megalyssa]

John and his wife are wonderful. Such sweet people.

[@anson-eggerss]

Such a great song!!! Thanks Pop!

[@jonnyhughes1689]

John Mark McMillan is amazing! Great Video as always Clifford

[@chanmonymiller1698]

The first time I heard this song was when I was thirteen at a youth camp, and I remember God's presence being so real and his love so tangible I didn't want to leave.

[@ThePopSongProfessor]

It's a powerful song.

[@phillipbirt5884]

Thank you so much for doing this song!

[@catherinefuller3633]

One of my favorite songs. Thanks for explaining

[@michaelangelbeck1939]

Love the song. Several instances where this song has really hit me.

[@Philosopraptor]

Hadn't really thought about the depth to this song before. Thanks for sharing.

[@ninamcnay1655]

Love this I'm so glad you can talk about your faith!

[@followerofchrist9948]

this song is amazing and has touched me and lifted me up in my hard times

[@kayleyryan5280]

This is one of those songs that gives me goosebumps in church, or on the radio, or through Spotify--a feeling lacking for me when I hear many Christian worship and non-worship songs out there. I love how John can write deep lyrics that mean something both for him personally and for a group of people through interpretation. I never knew the real story behind this. Thanks so much for doing this research and video! Also, would you be willing to do an interpretive video for "Out of Hiding" from the album, "The Undoing," by singer-songwriter Steffany Gretzinger? It's soooo good too.

[@cadebennett8918]

I listen to Christain radio whenever the radio is on just because I prefer it over some garbage on the top channels. When this song comes on, it’s an instant switch in mood. In an atmosphere of pop melodies and cliches, this song feels real, like the writer is directly singing to me. Powerful song

[@ThePopSongProfessor]

Indeed!

[@julianareed6316]

Great video. Thanks for this. I actually just got back into listening to this song even though I’ve known it since I was much younger. I was in awe of the lyrics and the beautiful illustration that I never noticed a few years ago. I think I’ve heard the backstory before but had completely forgotten. I’m humbled by how amazing of a testimony it is. I suspected your faith but it wasn’t confirmed until this video. I have a great deal of respect for you, Brother. Thank you again! 🌻 (I’m team sloppy wet as well. :))

[@LopeForestLope]

YES this is a wonderful, wonderful song that gets to me every single time

[@deannajordan4490]

WOW! Two awesome videos within two days! No I don’t watch all of your videos 😔 but the last two explanations (WHY and this one) were really good. I have always mindlessly sung this song in Youth or in church not knowing some of the things I’m saying. Now i know some of those things and I know the story behind it! Thanks so much for explaining this song! 🤗

[@AlexWells02]

I saw him in concert and it was beautiful

[@kierstinott1741]

I really appreciate this. It's always been my favorite worship song. It's so powerful and really an anthem of what I need to remember. It's so beautiful and raw. The story behind it is crazy. It definitely deepens my love for the song. How the Lord can turn things around. Thank you some much for this video. I think it's great that you relate to people with the explanation... Not that you're better than everyone or know it all. Honestly, I think that that's the way pastors should approach teach... Especially for the younger generations. Also #teamsloppywetkiss

[@Sea_Maranatha_]

I think it's great that you did this even though you didn't have to, it is a good song, the story behind it is beautiful, I didn't know about it. I love your channel, God bless you dude :) Merry Christmas (does it still count? I think it does haha) and happy New Year!

[@tasia3236]

Hey professer thanks for being a city on a hill for your fans and followers!!

[@Goldberry]

Fantastic song and it’s important for people to know it’s origin.

[@sporadicalx238]

My dad was leading worship at a church and sang this song! We’ve always heard the “sloppy wet kiss” version, so even when the lyric-screen-thing said “unforeseen”, he sang “sloppy wet kiss”. An old woman actually came up to ask him where he heard the original version, since she could never find it (somehow). I know which version I vouch for ;D

[@ashleywyatt9477]

One of my absolute faves

[@keyairamalek3610]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏help me mine favorite singer is mad at me u know but how he loves me made me love god even more and prays for him every day u know like im a good Christian for him his love is deep. Like a waterfall and a hurricane

[@austinray2138]

Love this song!!!

[@bittersweeteyes2]

This song with his emotion just moves me Everytime. It reminds me that no matter the situation, I'm not alone. I like sloppy wet kiss because our idea of neat and orderly is not his. Because we can't control. He can.

[@sunshi4929]

Ahhh 💛 yes Such a great song that’s made me cry

[@crdnofficial4741]

I love this song so much.

[@jadyn6291]

Yea, wow. Another great video. Wow.

[@LuketheDuke424]

I love this song!

[@alvinrowjr1651]

THANK YOU! John Mark needs as much exposure as he can get. I love the whole album "The Song Inside..." and I was wondering if you could give some quick thoughts on it, even just which songs you like besides "How He Loves"

[@tomi8780]

Oooh this is different! I like it😊

[@elikirk2800]

Since you're talking about worsip songs, have you ever heard So Will I by Hillsong? Freaking BEAUTIFUL song, one day I hope to write a song as good. Every verse adds depth and meaning, it blows me away.

[@RayneDavila]

Love this song

[@ashthememelord]

This song is my childhood.

[@rolandobeltranjr5459]

Love this song🙏

[@no_one_lol]

see i grew up listening to david crowder and i only knew his version until a couple years ago when i went to a new church and the worship leader sang "sloppy wet kiss" and i was pretty confused. since then ive heard it a few times that way and it's still kinda weird for me since ive always heard it as "unforeseen." and tbh before this video i literally thought this was a david crowder song lol. i never knew the story behind it either even tho ive literally known it my whole life, so yeah thanks :)

[@jonwalquist4016]

This song is amazing.

[@slothbearsrule1564]

I heard this first from the Jesus Culture and Kim Walker-Smith version. Still gives me shivers. I'm also Team Sloppy Wet.

[@MajorJack92]

Thanks Pop! Could you review a song by Greek Fire next? That would be dope!

[@antonde-vitry1463]

Great video

[@vibin4lifelifinforthevibe616]

Touched me

[@hannah5521]

Would love to hear some Sawyer Fredericks Hide Your Ghost song explanations.

[@kayladeshazo7685]

I always thought it was a song by Crowder.. didn't know it was a cover!

[@Bucees_Enjoyer]

This song slaps, change my mind

[@brycelandry1679]

UNFORESEEN!!!!!!!!

[@keb-ol3cw]

My church always sings "like a prodigal kiss" which I think I prefer. I'm not sure which version that is though. Would you consider doing one of these videos for the song "Good Friday" by Josh Garrels?

[@Sona-lh8mz]

Can you analyse "Running" by Lauren Cimorelli, she's been writing songs since she was six, she is in a band "Cimorelli" with her sisters but recently (I mean this Friday) she released her first solo song. I love the song, would love it if you analyse it.

[@clarenceblarence]

Oh! I though this song WAS by Crowder, I didnt know it was a cover.

[@crazyrainbowmonkey5550]

Riley Thompson right?

[@warriorcatskid003]

Definitely team “sloppy wet” “unforeseen” just feels kinda dull. Also I heard something interesting about it at a summer camp once. Regardless, this is one of my favorite Christian songs. Also I have a lot of nostalgia around it.

[@youtuber-ih7ns]

You should do La Dispute

[@mastamind7100]

I am trying to write raps and songs, but constantly get stuck or completely hate it! Anyone got any tips or something. Oh, good video, man

[@ThePopSongProfessor]

Plenty of tips. Check out the Magical Songwriting Process in the description.

[@Noahrcline]

You should talk about the song reckless love by Cory Asbury

[@katherineweaver2417]

This song has touched me in many ways over my life. I like unforeseen kiss better than sloppy wet because when I hear sloppy wet kiss I think of Sex not an all loving God communing with his children. I know the original artist did write sloppy wet but unforeseen kiss sounds better to me. Also we don’t really know what the scene looks like. So unforeseen seems better at describing it because we really don’t know what it is,whereas in a sloppy wet kiss we do have a good idea of what that is.

[@colev.6873]

Can you do a music video review of sunflower by Rex Orange County?