"Honey in the Rock" is a song by New Zealand singer-songwriter Brooke Ligertwood and American contemporary worship musician Brandon Lake. It impacted Christian radio stations in the United States on 25 March 2022,[1] becoming the second single from Ligertwood's first live album, Seven (2022). Brooke Ligertwood and Brandon Lake co-wrote the song with Mitch Wong.[2] The single was produced by Brooke Ligertwood and Jason Ingram.
"Honey in the Rock" peaked at number seven on the US Hot Christian Songs chart. At the 2023 GMA Dove Awards, "Honey in the Rock" was nominated for the Song of the Year award.[3]
Background
On 25 February 2022, Brooke Ligertwood announced that "Honey in the Rock" with Brandon Lake would be the second single from her live album, Seven (2022),[4] releasing its music video that same day.[5] "Honey in the Rock" impacted Christian radio stations in the United States on 25 March 2022.[1] On 1 July 2022, Ligertwood released a multi-track single of "Honey in the Rock" on digital platforms.[6]
Ligertwood shared the story behind the song,[7] saying:
It's based out of scripture in Psalm 89 which talks about how the Lord feeds us with honey from the rock. In the wilderness we can still experience sweetness because we trust and know Jesus.
Ligertwood's reference here is incorrect; mention of honey from the rock is found in Psalm 81.[8]
Composition
"Honey in the Rock" is composed in the key of D with a tempo of 62 beats per minute and a musical time signature of 4 4.[9]
Critical reception
In a NewReleaseToday review, Jasmine Patterson opined that the song is "the perfect Contemporary meets Gospel moment and it will take you straight to church. It’s a joyful declaration of God’s faithful provision in our lives, and the lyrics reference well-known Old Testament stories of miraculous provision."[10] Gerod Bass of Worship Musician magazine wrote in his review: "The groovy southern rocker uses the experiences of the Israelites in the desert to remind us that God always provides for His people."[11] Reviewing for 365 Days of Inspiring Media, Jonathan Andre congratulated Ligertwood for the song, saying "Well done Brooke for this track, a song that that can hopefully break down boundaries between CCM and…well, everything else."[12]
"Honey in the Rock" debuted at number 40 on the US Hot Christian Songs chart dated 12 March 2022,[14] concurrently charting at number ten on the Christian Digital Song Sales chart.[15]
"Honey in the Rock" debuted at number 43 on the US Christian Airplay chart dated 19 March 2022.[16]
Music videos
On 25 February 2022, Brooke Ligertwood released the live performance video of "Honey in the Rock" with Brandon Lake via YouTube.[17] The live performance video was recorded on 11 November 2021, at The Belonging Co, a church in Nashville, Tennessee.[18] Ligertwood also published the lyric video of the song via YouTube on the same day,[19] as well as the official acoustic performance video of the song.[20] On 23 August 2022, Passion released the live performance video of the song with Ligertwood and Lake leading it in concert at Passion 2022 conference.[21]
Performances
On 14 March 2022, Brooke Ligertwood and Brandon Lake performed on "Honey in the Rock" on The Kelly Clarkson Show.[22]
