Skip to main content

"YHWH" by Yemi Alafifuni: A Name Beyond Words


The making of Yemi Alafifuni's song "YHWH" is a journey of laughter and revelation, as well as anger and discovery. This song was triggered in response to a simple question with an eternal answer. Yemi shares, "I once heard a comedian ask—if the colonial masters, who claimed to be God-sent, truly knew the name of their God? The question, wrapped in humor, struck a nerve. Angry at the shallowness of the joke, I embarked on a personal quest to unearth the true name of my Father. My search led me beyond books, beyond theology—straight into the breath of existence itself. YHWH—the unspoken, yet ever-present name of God. A revelation hidden right beneath my nostrils, woven into every inhale, whispered with every exhale."

Yemi Alafifuni - YHWH"YHWH" invites us to have our own personal experience with the name of God, Yahweh (YHWH), a name that is never spoken but is always there. Parts of the lyrics were inspired by scriptures, such as Exodus 3:14—"I AM WHO I AM"—and declare that every breath we take carries His name. Yemi shares, "A truth so profound that my very lungs depend on it. YHWH is a legacy - one that will echo through the voices of generations yet unborn. And in every breath, I find the greatest joy in simply calling His name."

The lyrics carry the reverence and awe with which we may utter His name: "I love to call your name / Yahweh Asher Yahweh… You're the God who saves / And your love remains." We are reminded of His sufficiency, power, and unchanging nature. During our worship we may call Him "Daddy," "Father," "Abba," or "Yahweh Sabaoth" (Lord of Hosts), some of the many names we may use that reflect both intimacy and His majesty. But most important is that His name conquers all and endures forever, "The name inside my lungs / The name that conquers all." He Brings into Existence Whatever Exists (Yahweh-Asher-Yahweh).

YHWH. Breathe it in. Sing it out.

(Related scripture: Exodus 3:14; Revelations 5:12; Psalms 10:16)

Connect with Yemi Alafifuni

Tags:

Popular posts

"Is Anybody There? (Psalm 27)" by Stephen M. Miller: Holding On to Grace at Heaven’s Door

Stephen M. Miller's "Is Anybody There? (Psalm 27)" comes in the quiet aftermath of the Christmas celebrations, when reflection can feel like isolation. Stephen's song isn't about polishing away his mistakes, nor does it encourage you to do so with your mistakes. Stephen shares his painful experience, "I never saw it coming Lord // It felt right but it was wrong // Family and friends have left me // But I still have you and a song."   Stephen owns the fallout of his actions, taking accountability without despair. "I said it and I did it, Lord // Broke more hearts than I'll ever know // I can't fix this, though I've tried // Don't be angry, and please don't go." His song is a prayer for God's presence and guidance. "Hear me when I call you, Lord // Don't turn your face away // Don't give up on me like others have // Come help me through this day." Stephen describes a fear that we too experience when we ...
More >>

"Fishers of Men" by Tyler Philip Ratcliffe: Dropping Your Nets and Following Without Looking Back

Jesus doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.  “Fishers of Men” by Tyler Philip Ratcliffe was written back in July of 2024. It was the first Christian folk-style song that Tyler had ever written, and he had no idea at the time that God was going to pull him in that direction. It’s a favorite among his friends and family, and God recently laid it on his heart to share it with the rest of the world.  The song draws from the ordinary moments when Jesus walked up to fishermen and tax collectors and said two words that changed everything: “Follow Me.”   What strikes you in the lyrics is the honesty. “My friends thought I was crazy, and my folks just shook their heads.” Following Jesus has always looked strange from the outside. Peter left a fishing business. Matthew walked away from a lucrative government post. Neither of these men had it all figured out, but they simply responded to a call they couldn’t ignore.  Maybe you also know that feeling. The moment ...
More >>

Ryan Stevenson - Carry Me (CCM)

Ryan Stevenson’s song ‘Carry Me’ is a powerful and emotive plea for help and guidance, and a reminder of the transformative power of faith. The lyrics are deeply personal and relatable, touching on themes of weariness, loneliness, and uncertainty. The song is a testament to the power of prayer and the strength we can find when we surrender our burdens to God. Stevenson’s own story of finding his way to a deeper understanding of grace and God’s love gives the song even more resonance. The honesty and vulnerability with which he shares his struggles and doubts will resonate with anyone who has faced similar challenges in their own life. The music itself is a beautiful and stirring blend of keyboard, guitar, and electronic elements, creating a haunting and atmospheric sound that perfectly complements the lyrics. The chorus is particularly powerful, with Stevenson’s voice rising to a crescendo as he cries out for help and support. If you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, or simply need a rem...
More >>