The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Heavens rejoice and the earth will exalt
Oh no, come swing back like a catapult
The sea and its fullness will roar
He is our help and our shield our soul yearns for the lord
Burning God of Yaacov everlasting stronghold
Break down the door I can't hold back no more
Wait all night long, until the early morning
Like night watchmen wait for the dawning
Exaltation, my God of salvation
The field and there in will be filled with jubilation
The lord's name will be proclaimed
Exaltation, my God of salvation
The field and there in will be filled with jubilation
The lord's name will be proclaimed
Arise, be our help
Place my trust in your kindness
It's a must hoping in the God of deliverance
Since way back when before time began
Existing eternally, everlasting
Rejoice in the name of his majesty so we sing
Exaltation, my God of salvation
The field and there in will be filled with jubilation
The lord's name will be proclaimed
Exaltation, my God of salvation
The field and there in will be filled with jubilation
The lord's name will be proclaimed
Chant sweet melodies, utter hymns and sing praise to the King
For he's alone exalted holy,
Performing mighty deeds and making new things,
Sowing righteousness and creating healing
He spoke, the world came into being
Master of praise, renews each day
Redeems and saves, continuously, blessed is his name
Making great lights, creating luminaries
Abounding in mercy
Won't you grant me understanding
To perceive, all the teachings in your Torah of love,
Existing eternally
Exaltation, my God of salvation
The field and there in will be filled with jubilation
The lord's name will be proclaimed
Exaltation, my God of salvation
The field and there in will be filled with jubilation
The lord's name will be proclaimed
Oh no, come swing back like a catapult
The sea and its fullness will roar
He is our help and our shield our soul yearns for the lord
Burning God of Yaacov everlasting stronghold
Break down the door I can't hold back no more
Wait all night long, until the early morning
Like night watchmen wait for the dawning
Exaltation, my God of salvation
The field and there in will be filled with jubilation
The lord's name will be proclaimed
Exaltation, my God of salvation
The field and there in will be filled with jubilation
The lord's name will be proclaimed
Arise, be our help
Place my trust in your kindness
It's a must hoping in the God of deliverance
Since way back when before time began
Existing eternally, everlasting
Rejoice in the name of his majesty so we sing
Exaltation, my God of salvation
The field and there in will be filled with jubilation
The lord's name will be proclaimed
Exaltation, my God of salvation
The field and there in will be filled with jubilation
The lord's name will be proclaimed
Chant sweet melodies, utter hymns and sing praise to the King
For he's alone exalted holy,
Performing mighty deeds and making new things,
Sowing righteousness and creating healing
He spoke, the world came into being
Master of praise, renews each day
Redeems and saves, continuously, blessed is his name
Making great lights, creating luminaries
Abounding in mercy
Won't you grant me understanding
To perceive, all the teachings in your Torah of love,
Existing eternally
Exaltation, my God of salvation
The field and there in will be filled with jubilation
The lord's name will be proclaimed
Exaltation, my God of salvation
The field and there in will be filled with jubilation
The lord's name will be proclaimed
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let's dissect that the jewish way, huzza!
"Heavens rejoice and the earth will exalt" psalms 96. each Kabbalat Shabbat you'll find people sing it.
"The sea and its fullness will roar" again, psalms 96. he only forgets the trees of the forest who will exalt - before the LORD, because he came to conquer the land...
"He is our help and our shield our soul yearns for the lord" Again, from most prayers, but probably psalm 33.
"Exaltation, my God of salvation The field and there in will be filled with jubilation The lord's name will be proclaimed"
Habakuk? again, that psalm?
"Arise, be our help" Exodus?
"Rejoice in the name of his majesty so we sing" psalm 105
"Chant sweet melodies, utter hymns and sing praise to the King" a prayer. Tehiloth l'El Elyon, usually in the section of Shma reading, before 18-prayer.
For he's alone exalted holy, "Performing mighty deeds and making new things," Mehadesh kol yom ma'ase bereshit - from the usual daily prayers. ha. Basically Matisyahu is cheating his praying duties by this song - he can just sing it along and not only is that this song is awesome, your'e getting a prayer mitzva. awesomez.
"He spoke, the world came into being Master of praise, renews each day Redeems and saves, continuously, blessed is his name Making great lights, creating luminaries"
That's like.. a copy of the beginning of Arvith pray. almost. mish-mash of several sections from the daily prayer.
"Abounding in mercy Won't you grant me understanding To perceive, all the teachings in your Torah of love, Existing eternally" again, Shacharit prayer.
In short, all of this song is a beautiful, wondeful mish-mash from most of the daily prayers and psalms. Awesome. I get to pray and sing altogether. Baruch Hashem Yom yom.