Brandon Heath - When I'm Alone Lyrics
Lyrics
When I'm alone
The faces they come and they go
They all say that I haven't changed
I wish I could stay
But be where you are
The countrys and citys so far
This is my job and my gift
But sometimes I get
Scared
That somehow I'll cease to belong
Anywhere
So I need you when it all starts to show
When I'm alone
When I'm alone
I sleep late it's crazy I know
The worlds only passing me by
I guess that is why
I'm telling you now
That I haven't figured it out
The depth of the things that I've missed
They leave me like this
Scared
That somehow I'll cease to belong
Anywhere
So I need you when it all starts to show
When I'm alone
Is it true that you can find me anytime
Cause I'm feeling like I'm there, it's about that time
And I'm scared
That somehow I'll cease to belong
Anywhere
So I need you when it all starts to show
When I'm alone
Video
When I'm Alone
Meaning & Inspiration
Brandon Heath's "When I'm Alone," released on October 12, 2009, as part of the *What If We (Deluxe Edition)* album, offers a poignant exploration of vulnerability and the need for connection in the face of personal isolation. The song delves into the human experience of being constantly on the move, a theme often inherent in ministry or performance, where the faces of people are transient and the artist may feel a perpetual state of departure rather than arrival. Heath captures the essence of this transient existence, where the familiar refrain of "you haven't changed" can feel like a superficial observation from a distance, masking an internal struggle. He articulates a deep-seated desire not just to remain the same, but to be present with loved ones, a sentiment that resonates with anyone who has felt the geographical and emotional chasm created by life's demands. The lyric, "This is my job and my gift," acknowledges the purpose and calling behind his path, yet it's immediately juxtaposed with a raw admission of fear.
This fear, at its core, is the dread of losing one's sense of belonging. The constant movement and the curated interactions can leave one feeling adrift, like a stranger in every land. The song beautifully articulates this anxiety through the repeated realization that when the external world fades, the internal landscape can feel exposed and uncertain. The repeated plea, "So I need you when it all starts to show," is a powerful testament to our innate human need for anchoring and affirmation, particularly when our own perceived strengths begin to falter. This sentiment echoes the biblical narrative of our reliance on God, even when we feel we are standing on solid ground. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Heath’s confession of "I haven't figured it out" and the "depth of the things that I've missed" speaks to a humility that is foundational to spiritual growth. It acknowledges that even amidst success and purpose, there are profound aspects of life, and perhaps of faith, that remain beyond our complete comprehension, leaving us susceptible to the very anxieties the song describes.
The bridge, asking, "Is it true that you can find me anytime?" directly addresses the divine assurance of God's constant presence. This is not a question born of doubt, but of longing for the certainty of an unwavering connection, a love that transcends distance and circumstance. This resonates deeply with the promises found in Scripture, such as Isaiah 41:10: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." The song’s recurring theme of needing someone when "it all starts to show" underscores the profound truth that our ultimate security and sense of belonging are not found in our own capabilities or the fickle affirmations of others, but in the steadfast love and presence of a higher power. When the external world recedes and the masks we wear in public fall away, it is in this quiet space of solitude that the deepest truths about ourselves and our need for divine connection are revealed. Heath’s masterful expression of this vulnerability invites listeners to acknowledge their own moments of fear and to seek the comforting and secure belonging that is available through faith, reminding us that even when we feel alone, we are never truly abandoned.