I’ve tried in vain a thousand ways
My fears to quell, my hopes to raise
But what I need, Your word has said
Is ever, only, Jesus
You died, you live, you reign, you plead
There’s love in all your words and deeds
This weary heart finds all it needs
In ever, only, Jesus
I want to know you, Jesus my Lord
King of the Heavens, King of my soul
I trade my treasure and all my rewards
Jesus to know you, then know you more
Though some should curse me for your name
I have no fear, I have no shame
You stand with me for all my days
My ever, only, Jesus
Like wave after wave on the ocean
Like all of the sand on the shore
Your beauty and glory are endless
O Jesus I must know you more
I Want to Know You
I Want to Know You Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on December 9, 2016, CityAlight’s song "I Want to Know You" immediately sets forth a central, defining desire for anyone seeking a deeper relationship with the divine. The core meaning woven through this piece is a sincere, humble, and profound yearning to move beyond a casual acquaintance with God towards genuine, personal knowledge. It articulates the soul’s cry to understand not just facts *about* God, but to truly *know* Him – His character, His heart, His purposes, and the transformative power of His presence. This isn't merely an intellectual pursuit, but an all-encompassing longing for intimacy and revelation, mirroring the pursuit of the greatest treasure one could ever find.
This song finds its roots deeply embedded in the biblical narrative of seeking and knowing God. It echoes the timeless invitation found throughout Scripture, particularly Jeremiah 9:23-24, which redirects boasting from worldly achievements to boasting in knowing and understanding the Lord. It reflects the fervent desire expressed by the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:8-10, where he counts everything as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord, striving to know Him in the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings. The song articulates a recognition that knowing God is the very essence of eternal life, as Jesus Himself declared in John 17:3: "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." It’s a pursuit not just for a fleeting feeling, but for a steady, enduring knowledge that informs every aspect of life, leading to reliance on His grace and trust in His promises, acknowledging like Psalm 103:7, that He makes His ways known to those who seek Him.
Musically, CityAlight crafts a melody and arrangement that perfectly complement this earnest prayer. The composition is accessible and conducive to communal singing, providing a vehicle for a congregation to collectively voice this foundational aspiration. There’s a simplicity and sincerity in the musical structure that avoids distraction, allowing the weight and beauty of the lyrical theme to resonate clearly. The music builds with a quiet reverence, often leading to moments of powerful, shared declaration, underscoring that this desire is both deeply personal and universally shared among believers. The arrangement typically supports the vocals without overpowering them, ensuring that the message remains paramount. It feels authentic and grounded, fostering an atmosphere of genuine worship where individuals can pour out their longing before God.
Ultimately, "I Want to Know You" serves as more than just a song; it functions as a corporate prayer set to music, an anthem for the journey of faith. It calls those who sing it to consider the depth of their own desire for God and encourages a conscious turning towards Him for revelation and understanding. By aligning this personal plea with the broader biblical call to seek God with all one's heart (Deuteronomy 4:29), the song inspires a posture of humility and devotion. It reminds everyone engaging with the melody that the pursuit of knowing God is the most rewarding endeavor imaginable, a lifelong journey of discovery into the infinite depths of His love, wisdom, and power, confirming that as Psalm 46:10 encourages, we are to "Be still, and know that I am God."