Lyrics
As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after Thee
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship Thee
As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after Thee
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship Thee
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship Thee
You're my friend and You are my brother
Even though You are a King
And I love You more than any other
So much more than anything
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship Thee
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship Thee
And I long to worship Thee
And I long to worship Thee
And I long to worship Thee
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
O precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow
No other fount I know
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“As the Deer / Nothing but the Blood” joins two familiar expressions of Christian worship. The first section voices a deep longing for God, using the image of a thirsty deer seeking water. God is named as strength, shield, friend, and king, so the desire to worship grows from both need and affection. The repeated lines emphasize that no other relationship or possession can satisfy that longing.
The second section turns from desire to cleansing. Its questions about sin and wholeness receive the same answer: the blood of Jesus. In this setting, Psalm 42:1 closely matches the opening image of a soul thirsting for God, while Ephesians 1:7 explains redemption and forgiveness through Christ’s blood. Bringing the songs together connects communion with God to the saving work of Christ. The medley moves from spiritual thirst to the source of forgiveness, holding personal devotion and the central gospel claim in a single act of worship.
Related Scripture
- Psalm 42:1 The psalm compares longing for God to a deer panting for water.
- Ephesians 1:7 The verse connects redemption and forgiveness with the blood of Christ.