Song: Firm Foundation (He Won’t)
Vocal: Cody Carnes, Chandler Moore
Acoustic Guitar: Cody Carnes
Electric Guitar: Austin Davis, Scott Mills
Bass: Dan Alber
Keyboards/Organ/Piano: Grant Pittman
Drums/Percussion: Austin Davis
Choir/Chorus: Maverick City Music Choir, various members
Release History: December 10, 2021
[Intro]
Bb - Bsus4 - Gm7 - Ebsus4
[PRE-CHORUS]
Bb
Christ is my firm foundation
Gm7 F
The rock on which I stand
Bbsus
When everything around me is shaken
Gm7 F
I’ve never been more glad
Ebsus4 Bbsus4
That I put my faith in Jesus
Gm7 F
‘Cause He’s never let me down
Ebsus4 Bbsus4
He’s faithful through generations
Gm7 F
So why would He fail now
[CHORUS]
Bb
He won’t
Bbsus4
He won’t
[Verse]
Bbsus
I’ve still got joy in chaos
Gm7 F
I’ve got peace that makes no sense
Bbsus
I won’t be going un - der
Gm7 F
I’m not held by my own strength
Ebsus4 Bbsus4
‘Cause I’ve built my life on Jesus
Gm7 F
He’s never let me down
Ebsus4 Bbsus4
He’s faithful in every season
Gm7 F
So why would He fail now
[CHORUS]
Bb Bbsus4
He won’t, He won’t
Gm7 F Ebsus4 Dm7 Ebsus4
He won’t fa - il
Gm7 F Ebsus4 Dm7 Ebsus4
He won’t fa - il
Bb Bbsus4
He won’t, He won’t
Gm7 F Ebsus4 Dm7 Ebsus4
He won’t fa - il
Gm7 F Ebsus4 Dm7 Ebsus4
He won’t fa - il
[PRE-CHORUS]
Bbsus
Christ is my firm foundation
Gm7 F
The rock on which I stand
Bbsus
When everything around me is shaken
Gm7 F
I’ve never been more glad
Ebsus4 Bbsus4
That I put my faith in Jesus
Gm7 F
‘Cause He’s never let me down
Ebsus4 Bbsus4
He’s faithful through generations
Gm7 F
So why would He fail now
[CHORUS]
Bb Bbsus4
He won’t, He won’t
Gm7 F Ebsus4 Dm7 Ebsus4
He won’t fa - il
Gm7 F Ebsus4 Dm7 Ebsus4
He won’t fa - il
[INTERLUDE]
Ebsus4 F Dm7 Gm7 F
Ebsus4 F Dm7 Gm7 F
[BRIDGE]
Ebsus4 F
Rain came and wind blew
Dm7 Gm7 F
But my house was built on You
Ebsus4 F
I’m safe with You
Bbsus/D Gm7 F
I’m going to make it through
Ebsus4 F
Rain came and wind blew
Dm7 Gm7 F
But my house was built on You
Ebsus4 F
I’m safe with You
Dm7 Gm7 F
I’m going to make it through
Ebsus4 F
Rain came and wind blew
Dm7 Gm7 F
But my house was built on You
Ebsus4 F
I’m safe with You
Dm7 Gm7 F
I’m going to make it through
Ebsus4 F
Yeah, I’m going to make it through
Dm7 Gm7 F
‘Cause I’m standing strong on You
Ebsus4 F
Yeah, I’m going to make it through
Dm7 Gm7 F
‘Cause my house is built on You
[PRE-CHORUS]
Bbsus
Christ is my firm foundation
Gm7 F
The rock on which I stand
Bbsus
When everything around me is shaken
Gm7 F
I’ve never been more glad
Ebsus4 Bbsus4
That I put my faith in Jesus
Gm7 F
‘Cause He’s never let me down
Ebsus4 Bbsus4
He’s faithful through generations
Gm7 F
So why would He fail now
[CHORUS]
Bb Bbsus4
He won’t, He won’t
Gm7 F Ebsus4 Dm7 Ebsus4
He won’t fa - il
Gm7 F Ebsus4 Dm7 Ebsus4
He won’t fa - il
Cody Carnes, an influential figure in Contemporary Christian music, unveiled “Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” as a standalone single on December 10, 2021, marking his third release of the year. Co-written with Chandler Moore and Austin Davis, the song speaks volumes about unwavering faith and assurance. Produced by Austin Davis, this melody resonates with a powerful message derived from the scriptures, specifically Matthew 7, emphasizing the importance of building life’s foundations upon unwavering truths.
Carnes eloquently expressed the song’s inspiration, citing a turbulent season that ignited the need to craft a musical declaration. Musically, “Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” is composed in the key of B♭, maintaining a tempo of 75 beats per minute within a 6/8 time signature. Its fusion of catchy melodies and pop-style arrangements complements the profound lyrical depth, resonating with listeners seeking solace and reassurance.
Critics and reviewers lauded the song for its impactful message. Joshua Andre from 365 Days of Inspiring Media praised its infectious delivery, highlighting the potency of its lyrics. Jono Davies, reviewing for Louder Than The Music, commended Carnes for delivering a worship anthem with a compelling message that touches hearts and uplifts spirits.
On the charts, “Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” achieved commendable success, securing its spot on various Billboard rankings, including the US Hot Christian Songs chart, where it peaked at No. 14.
Accompanying the release was a lyric video on Cody Carnes’ YouTube channel, offering audiences a visual complement to the powerful message embedded within the song.
The single’s impact extended further when Maverick City Music released their rendition of “Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” featuring Chandler Moore and Cody Carnes on January 3, 2022. This alternate interpretation, crafted within the key of D♭ and sharing the same 6/8 time signature at 75 beats per minute, garnered attention and chart success of its own.
Debuting on various Billboard charts, the Maverick City Music rendition entered the US Hot Christian Songs chart at No. 49 and secured the No. 20 position on the Hot Gospel Songs chart, demonstrating the song’s resonating power across different renditions and interpretations.
The official music video for Maverick City Music’s rendition, released via Tribl Records’ YouTube channel, was shot in Chicago during the national tour on October 1, 2021, providing a visual narrative to accompany the song’s spiritual depth.
Cody Carnes’ “Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” and its Maverick City Music rendition stand as anthems of unwavering faith, resonating across various musical charts and touching the hearts of listeners seeking assurance amidst life’s uncertainties. With their melodious renditions and profound messages, these versions of the song continue to inspire and uplift audiences, reminding them of the unshakeable foundation found in faith.