Carrie Underwood - Softly And Tenderly Lyrics

Softly And Tenderly

Softly And Tenderly Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Carrie Underwood's rendition of "Softly And Tenderly" brings a classic Christian hymn to a contemporary audience, featured as part of her 2021 gospel album *My Savior*. This timeless song, originally written by Will Lamartine Thompson in the late 19th century, serves as a profound invitation, echoing through generations. The lyrics present a gentle yet urgent call from Jesus, depicted as waiting and watching at the "portals," a symbolic gateway, for individuals to respond. This imagery conveys a sense of patient expectation and unwavering presence, emphasizing that the divine invitation is personal and directed towards "you and for me."

The core message of the song is powerfully articulated in the recurring chorus, which acts as an earnest plea: "Come home, Come home." This call is specifically directed at those who are "weary," acknowledging the burdens and struggles of life. The repetition of "Come home" underscores the central theme of returning to a place of spiritual rest and belonging. The phrase "Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling" captures the dual nature of the invitation – it is sincere and persistent ("earnestly"), yet delivered with immense compassion and love ("tenderly"). The direct address, "Oh, sinner, come home," highlights the message of grace and forgiveness available to all, regardless of past actions.

Verse two challenges the listener to consider the hesitation or delay in responding to this call. It questions why one would "tarry" or "linger" when Jesus is actively "pleading" and offering His "mercies." This section serves as a gentle nudge, encouraging introspection about the barriers that prevent acceptance of the invitation. It reinforces the idea that the opportunity presented is one of immense grace, emphasizing that these mercies are freely available for "you and for me."

The bridge introduces the theme of God's promised love, which is described as "wonderful." It directly confronts the reality of human imperfection and sin, acknowledging that "Though we have sinned," God's response is not condemnation but abundant "mercy and pardon." This part of the song provides reassurance, affirming that the invitation to "come home" is extended even to those who feel unworthy, grounded in the promise of forgiveness. It reinforces the message of hope inherent in the gospel, highlighting the transformative power of divine love and forgiveness.

This hymn's message is deeply rooted in scripture. The theme of Jesus calling people to Himself and offering rest is found in passages like Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." The concept of God's waiting and watching reflects His patience and desire for all to come to repentance, as mentioned in 2 Peter 3:9. The plea for sinners to come home echoes the parables of the lost in Luke 15, particularly the story of the prodigal son, where the father eagerly awaits his return. The emphasis on mercy and pardon for sinners aligns with scriptures like 1 John 1:9, promising forgiveness when sins are confessed, and Romans 5:8, stating that "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Carrie Underwood's performance on *My Savior* delivers these profound lyrical truths with sincerity, allowing the enduring message of divine invitation, mercy, and the call to find rest in Jesus to resonate with listeners, inviting them to reflect on their own response to this tender call.