Direct Answer: Who Wrote “King of Kings”
The song “King of Kings” is most widely recognized in two influential recordings: a 2020 contemporary Christian release by Hillsong United and a 2021 single by American metalcore band Motionless in White. The 2020 Hillsong United version credits Brooke Ligertwood and Scott Ligertwood as writers. The 2021 Motionless in White version credits songwriter Chris “Motionless” Cerulli, along with composers Drew Fulk and Josh Strock. Additional historic hymns share the same title and have separate lineage. In short, there is no single universal author; attribution depends on the specific recording and its publishing registration.
Why “King of Kings” Has Multiple Writers
Because the phrase “King of Kings” describes a theological title, many artists have recorded songs bearing that name across genres and decades. Copyright registration, publishing records, and liner notes determine who is legally recognized as a writer for each version. Below is a concise comparison of two modern recordings that commonly appear in searches.
| Recording | Writers / Composers | Release Year | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsong United — “King of Kings” | Brooke Ligertwood, Scott Ligertwood | 2020 | Performance credits, CCLI, liner notes |
| Motionless in White — “King of Kings” | Chris “Motionless” Cerulli, Drew Fulk, Josh Strock | 2021 | ISWC, publishing registration, album credits |
Hillsong United Version: Writers and Context
Songwriters and Roles
Brooke Ligertwood, a prolific worship leader and songwriter, co-wrote the track with her husband Scott Ligertwood, who serves as creative director at Hillsong Music. Their collaboration draws from scriptural themes found in Revelation and Philippians, emphasizing Christ’s sovereign rule. The recording features an anthemic pop arrangement with layered vocals and instrumentation typical of Hillsong’s contemporary worship style.
Copyright and Publishing
Under standard music industry practice, writers automatically hold copyright unless they assign it to a publisher. Hillsong Music Publishing administers rights for this song, enabling use in congregational settings, streaming, and synchronization. For attribution in services or covers, crediting Brooke Ligertwood and Scott Ligertwood satisfies licensing requirements.
Motionless in White Version: Writers and Context
Songwriter and Composer Breakdown
Motionless in White’s “King of Kings” presents a stark contrast in tone and genre. Vocalist Chris “Motionless” Cerulli penned the lyrics, while producers Drew Fulk and Josh Strock composed the music. The track blends metalcore riffs with industrial textures, reflecting the band’s signature aesthetic. Lyrically, it explores themes of power, defiance, and duality, fitting within their broader narrative style.
Legal and Publishing Information
This song is registered under standard music copyright frameworks, with rights managed through major publishing administrators. Usage in video content, live performances, or derivative works requires permission from the rights holders or their representatives. Proper credits include Chris Cerulli, Drew Fulk, and Josh Strock.
Historic and Hymnal “King of Kings” Titles
Beyond these contemporary recordings, the title has appeared in older hymns and gospel songs. Many of these traditional works are now in the public domain, meaning specific historic authors may be difficult to pinpoint or no longer protected by copyright. When referencing older sources, it is best to note the compiler, translator, or unknown traditional origins rather than attribute to a single writer.
How to Determine the Correct Writer for Your Use Case
- Identify the exact recording: Check the artist and release year on the platform where you encountered the song.
- Review album credits: Streaming services and physical packaging list songwriters in the metadata.
- Search ISWC or copyright databases: Use official identifiers to confirm legal ownership and licensing status.
- Respect licensing needs: For covers, public performances, or commercial use, secure permissions from the appropriate publisher.
Summary
When asking who wrote “King of Kings,” the answer hinges on which version you mean. The 2020 Hillsong United track was written by Brooke Ligertwood and Scott Ligertwood, while the 2021 Motionless in White song was written by Chris Cerulli, Drew Fulk, and Josh Strock. For accurate attribution, always check album credits or official publishing records. Understanding these distinctions ensures proper credit and compliance whether you’re streaming, performing, or creating derivative works.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I cover “King of Kings” without permission?
It depends on the version. Statutory licenses in some regions allow mechanical reproductions for a fee, but synchronization or public performance may require direct approval from the rights holder. Always verify the specific writers and publisher before proceeding.
Are the writers of the Hillsong and Motionless in White songs the same?
No. The Hillsong United version was written by Brooke and Scott Ligertwood. The Motionless in White version was written by Chris Cerulli, Drew Fulk, and Josh Strock. They are separate compositions with distinct copyright holdings.
Is “King of Kings” in the public domain?
Most modern recordings are still under copyright protection. Traditional or very old hymn arrangements may have entered the public domain, but recent commercial releases remain proprietary.