Guy Penrod - Knowing You'll Be There Lyrics
Lyrics
The other day I passed the place
You always liked to go
And I picked up the phone because
I thought you'd want to know
But I forgot you weren't there
I miss you all these days
That I'm reminded of your smile
And the funny things you'd say
I miss you most at Christmas
You were like a little kid
You always loved a good surprise
And now I must admit
That I long more for heaven
Than I ever did before
You give me one more reason
And each day I want it more
Knowing we can spend a lifetime
Reminiscing on the past
Knowing I will see your face again
Where tender moment last
It makes me wanna be there
Knowing I won't be alone
Knowing you'll be there makes it easy to go home
You left a group of fishermen
Somehow you left me too
And though I've felt you many times
And know you saw me through
I've always long to feel your arms
And look into your eyes
And talk forever me and you
Somewhere in paradise
Video
Guy Penrod - Knowing You'll Be There (Lyric Video / Live At Studio A, Nashville, TN/2003)
Meaning & Inspiration
Released digitally in March 2022, Guy Penrod's performance of "Knowing You'll Be There" from a 2003 live session offers listeners a powerful moment of spiritual grounding, reminding us of a foundational truth that transcends time and circumstance. The song is a direct address to the source of our strength and hope, exploring the profound comfort that comes from the absolute certainty of God's presence through every turn of life's path. It isn't a narrative recounting specific events, but rather an articulation of the deep-seated peace derived from a relationship with the divine, a quiet confidence built not on personal strength or favorable circumstances, but solely on the unwavering promise of a faithful God.
The central meaning of "Knowing You'll Be There" rests on the biblical concept of God's omnipresence and His covenant promise to never abandon His children. It speaks to those moments of vulnerability, fear, or loneliness where the world feels unstable, and the only anchor is the knowledge that God is not distant or indifferent, but actively present and attentive. This isn't just a theological abstract; the song brings it down to the personal, visceral level of lived experience – the feeling of navigating unknowns, facing trials, or simply moving through the mundane, all sustained by that single, unchanging reality: He is there.
This unwavering assurance finds deep resonance throughout Scripture. The psalmist declares in Psalm 139:7-10, "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me." This passage beautifully illustrates the inescapable nature of God's presence, a truth that forms the bedrock of the song's message. Furthermore, the promise in Deuteronomy 31:6, echoed in Joshua 1:5 and Hebrews 13:5, "I will never leave you nor forsake you," directly underpins the certainty expressed in the song, providing the divine warranty for the peace it describes. The song articulates the human experience of leaning into this specific promise.
The song also touches on the idea that God's presence is not just passive, but active and supportive through difficulties. When we walk "through the valley of the shadow of death," Psalm 23:4 assures us, God is with us; His rod and staff comfort us. Similarly, Isaiah 43:2 promises that when we pass through waters or walk through fire, we will not be overwhelmed or consumed because God is with us. "Knowing You'll Be There" captures this aspect, suggesting that it is *precisely* in the midst of life's challenges that the knowledge of God's presence becomes most vital, transforming fear into faith and uncertainty into trust. It's the divine companionship that makes perseverance possible.
In terms of performance and effect, Guy Penrod delivers "Knowing You'll Be There" with the sincerity and vocal strength characteristic of his style. His voice conveys a genuine conviction that elevates the simple, profound truth of the lyrics. The live setting captured in this release adds an authentic, unvarnished quality, highlighting the raw emotion and unwavering faith behind the words. The musical arrangement supports the contemplative yet resolute tone, allowing Penrod's voice and the message to remain front and center. The song doesn't rely on complex metaphors or elaborate storytelling; its power lies in its direct affirmation of a core tenet of Christian faith – that God's presence is a constant, reliable source of strength and peace, available to all who trust in Him.
Ultimately, "Knowing You'll Be There" serves as more than just a song; it's a simple, sung prayer and a powerful declaration of faith rooted deeply in biblical truth. It reminds anyone feeling lost, alone, or overwhelmed that the ultimate certainty in an uncertain world is the immutable promise of God: "I am with you." This timeless message, delivered with Penrod's signature authenticity, offers a comforting anchor and a renewed sense of hope, encouraging us to face tomorrow not with anxiety, but with the quiet confidence that comes from knowing He will surely be there.