“Thy Will” is about a devastating pain turned into a faith-based single. Released on April 22, 2016, the song was the debut single of Hillary Scott & The Scott Family for their collaborative debut album Love Remains. Lady A’s lead vocalist, Hillary, was joined by her parents, Linda Davis and Lang Scott, and her younger sister, Rylee Scott, for the song.
With songwriting credits to Hillary herself, Bernie Herms, and Emily Weisband, “Thy Will” became a massive hit in country radios and the Christian community. It peaked at No. 1 on Billboard Christian Airplay and No. 12 on Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song.
The song’s success was the result of the veteran singer and her family’s carefully crafted lyrics and vulnerability. Hillary revealed in CCM Magazine that her preparation for entering the contemporary Christian market as a first-timer was ‘something she did not take lightly.’ But later admits that her ‘faith has always been a huge, huge part of her life.’
The record was intended to be a small hymn, but it ended up being a Christian song that caters to gospel song listeners.
Meaning of the Song
During an interview on Good Morning America in June 2016, Hillary Scott revealed that “Thy Will” was inspired by a personal painful experience of miscarriage of her second child. Hillary has become openly vulnerable about her struggles as she feels that a lot of women need to know they’re not alone. It wouldn’t be as special as it would be without her family’s involvement in the process.
“Thy Will” is Hillary’s open letter to God, asking for a clear explanation of His plan after suffering great grief. The song further narrates how hard it is to find joy despite life’s distractions, but the idea that God has planned something better gives Hillary comfort. So, she surrenders herself to Him like a child on their knees, no matter how vague the situation is for her at present. It stresses that even if we can’t see the reason for all of our struggles now, someday, all our griefs shall pass when we entrust ourselves to God’s grace.
When the song was released, many fans contacted her to express their condolences and share personal stories of loss.
Watch Hillary Scott & The Scott Family’s Performance of “Thy Will” to uplift your spirits during a difficult time.