Exploring CeCe Winans’ “That’s My King”: A Gospel Anthem of Adoration

CeCe Winans, the undisputed queen of gospel music with over 15 Grammy Awards and a career spanning decades, has once again captivated audiences with her powerful single “That’s My King.” Released in early 2024 as part of her live album More Than This, the song has become a staple in worship playlists, dominating gospel charts and inspiring countless declarations of faith. Blending soul-stirring vocals with an upbeat, tribal melody, “That’s My King” is more than just a track—it’s a bold proclamation of God’s majesty that encourages listeners to join in unbridled praise. Let’s dive deep into the song’s origins, lyrics, meaning, and lasting impact.

About CeCe Winans: A Gospel Legend

Priscilla Marie Winans Love, better known as CeCe Winans, hails from a legendary musical family—the Winans dynasty, which includes her brothers BeBe, Marvin, and Ronald. Born in Detroit in 1964, CeCe rose to fame in the 1980s as part of the duo BeBe & CeCe Winans, blending gospel with R&B and pop influences. Her solo career exploded in the 1990s with hits like “Alabaster Box” and “Believe For It,” earning her the title of the best-selling female gospel artist of all time. With a voice that effortlessly conveys emotion and anointing, CeCe has always used her platform to point listeners toward Jesus. “That’s My King” continues this tradition, showcasing her ability to create music that resonates in churches, on radio, and even on mainstream shows like The Kelly Clarkson Show.

Song Background and Release

“That’s My King” was released on February 2, 2024, as a lead single from the album More Than This, a live recording that captures the energy of worship sessions. The song was written by Taylor Hill, Lloyd Nicks, and Kelsey Hodge, and produced with a focus on creating an infectious, dance-worthy rhythm that contrasts with CeCe’s more ballad-heavy hits like “Believe For It.” CeCe has shared that the track emerged from a desire to celebrate God’s unchanging character amid a world full of distractions. It debuted during her “The Goodness Tour” and quickly climbed to #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart, a testament to its immediate appeal. The official music video, featuring CeCe leading a choir in exuberant praise, has garnered millions of views on YouTube, further amplifying its reach.

Musically, the song features a tribal beat with driving percussion, layered harmonies, and CeCe’s signature ad-libs that build to a climactic bridge. It’s designed to be interactive, with call-and-response elements that make it perfect for live worship settings. CeCe performed it at the 2024 GMA Dove Awards, where it brought the house down, and shared snippets on X, sparking viral shares and fan videos.

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Full Lyrics

Here are the complete lyrics to “That’s My King,” structured with verses, chorus, bridge, and outro for clarity:

[Verse 1]
I wish I could tell you
Wish I could describe it
But I can’t contain it, can’t keep it to myself
There aren’t enough colors
To paint the whole picture
Not enough words to ever say what I found

[Pre-Chorus]
Wonderful and beautiful
And glorious and holy
He is merciful and powerful

[Chorus]
Who we talkin’ about?
That’s my king
We declare the glory
Give him all the honor
Altogether worthy
Who we talkin’ about?
That’s my king
There’s no one before you
Yes, we will adore you
All of this is for you
Who we talkin’ about?
That’s my king
Jesus, you’re my king
Hey

[Verse 2]
I’m not letting the rocks cry
Without joining the chorus
There aren’t enough notes to make the harmony
It’s the song of the angels (Angels)
Through all of the ages (Ages)
It’s all of the earth and heaven’s symphony

[Pre-Chorus]
Wonderful and beautiful
And glorious and holy
He is merciful and powerful

[Chorus]
Who we talkin’ about?
That’s my king
We declare the glory
Give him all the honor
Altogether worthy
Who we talkin’ about?
That’s my king
There’s no one before you
Yes, we will adore you
All of this is for you
Who we talkin’ about?
That’s my king
That’s my king
Is he your king tonight

[Bridge]
That’s my king
That’s my God
That’s my shepherd
My protector
That’s my king
That’s my rock
That’s my anchor
My defender
That’s my king
That’s my God
That’s my shepherd
My protector
That’s my king
That’s my rock
That’s my anchor
My defender

[Chorus]
Who we talkin’ about?
That’s my king
We declare the glory, yeah
Give him all the honor
Altogether worthy
Who we talkin’ about?
That’s my king
(We declare the glory) yeah
Give him all the honor
Altogether worthy
Who we talkin’ about?
That’s my king
There’s no one before you, hey
Yes, we will adore you
(All of this is for you)
Who, who we talkin’ about?
That’s my king

[Outro]
Who we talkin’ about?
That’s my king
Who we talkin’ about?
(That’s my king)
Who we talkin’ about?
(That’s my king)
Who we talkin’ about?
(That’s my king)
(Who we talkin’ about?)
(That’s my king)
King, king, king
(Who we talkin’ about?)
(That’s my king)
King of kings
(Who we talkin’ about?)
(That’s my king)
King forever
(Who we talkin’ about?)
(That’s my king)
Yeah, yeah, yeah

Lyrics Analysis

The lyrics of “That’s My King” are a poetic explosion of praise, structured to build emotional and spiritual intensity. Let’s break it down:

Verse 1 and Pre-Chorus: The Ineffable Wonder

The opening lines express the inadequacy of human language to fully capture God’s essence: “There aren’t enough colors / To paint the whole picture / Not enough words to ever say what I found.” This sets a tone of awe, drawing from biblical imagery like Psalm 145, which praises God’s unsearchable greatness. The pre-chorus lists attributes—”Wonderful and beautiful / And glorious and holy / He is merciful and powerful”—echoing Isaiah 9:6 (“Wonderful Counselor”) and emphasizing God’s multifaceted character.

Chorus: Declaration and Adoration

The repetitive hook “Who we talkin’ about? / That’s my king” is a rhetorical call to worship, making the song communal and engaging. It declares God’s glory, honor, and worthiness, with lines like “There’s no one before you / Yes, we will adore you” affirming His supremacy. The addition of “Jesus, you’re my king” personalizes the praise, blending corporate and individual devotion.

Verse 2: Cosmic Harmony

Referencing Luke 19:40 (“If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out”), CeCe sings, “I’m not letting the rocks cry / Without joining the chorus.” This verse expands the praise to a universal scale: “It’s the song of the angels / Through all of the ages / It’s all of the earth and heaven’s symphony,” portraying worship as a timeless, creation-wide symphony.

Bridge: Personal Titles of God

The bridge is a litany of God’s roles—”That’s my shepherd / My protector / That’s my rock / That’s my anchor / My defender”—drawing from Psalms (e.g., Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd”) and emphasizing His relational aspects. Repeated twice for emphasis, it shifts from awe to intimacy, reminding listeners of God’s personal involvement in their lives.

Outro: Triumphant Affirmation

The fading echoes of “King of kings / King forever” reinforce Revelation 19:16, ending on a high note of eternal reign. Overall, the lyrics use repetition, call-and-response, and biblical allusions to create a worshipful flow that’s both accessible and profound.

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Meaning and Purpose

At its core, “That’s My King” is a reminder to worship God for who He is, not just what He does. CeCe explains: “It’s a song to remind us who we serve. We serve a God who has all power, He knows the end from the beginning. He’s your Shepherd, He’s your provider, He’s a father to the fatherless, He’s a mother to the motherless. And when you’re reminded of who He is in your life, you can’t help but give Him praise.” She adds that the song “ushers in the power of God and puts us in the right posture of looking up and remembering that He is the King of kings!” In a world where people idolize fleeting things, CeCe uses the track to redirect focus to Jesus’ majesty, inspiring joy and movement: “You can’t sit still while listening to ‘That’s My King’ – It ushers in the power of God.” It’s about declaring God’s attributes—wonderful, merciful, powerful—and rejoicing so exuberantly that it overflows.

Impact and Reception

Since its release, “That’s My King” has made waves in the gospel community. It topped Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs and Gospel Airplay charts, marking CeCe’s continued dominance. Social media buzz on X shows fans sharing lyrics and videos, with posts like “THATS MY KING! King Jesus!!” and links to performances garnering thousands of views. The song’s viral challenges and church adoptions highlight its role in the 2025 gospel revival, where streams have surged 50%. Performances on The Kelly Clarkson Show and the Dove Awards have introduced it to broader audiences, bridging gospel and mainstream music.

Critics praise its energy: “With lyrics that attempt to capture the wonder and majesty of Jesus,” it’s a “tribal melody primed for praise.” Fans echo this, calling it a “song of hope” that declares God’s greatness uncontainably.

Cultural Significance

In 2025, amid global uncertainties, “That’s My King” taps into a spiritual hunger, aligning with trends like increased Bible sales and worship music streams. It reinforces gospel’s role in cultural revival, much like CeCe’s past hits. By blending traditional praise with modern production, it appeals across generations, fostering unity in adoration. As CeCe says, it’s a “shout-out to our King,” reminding us that true worship transcends trends.

Final Thoughts

“That’s My King” is CeCe Winans at her finest—powerful, joyful, and deeply spiritual. Whether you’re belting it out in church or streaming it on Spotify, the song invites you to declare, “Who we talkin’ about? That’s my king!” If you haven’t listened yet, check it out on platforms like YouTube or Amazon Music. It’s a reminder that in a chaotic world, focusing on God’s kingship brings unshakeable peace and praise. What’s your favorite line from the song? Share in the comments!