Heather Headley - His Eye Is On The Sparrow Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1
Why should I feel discouraged
Why should the shadows come
Why should my heart feel lonely
And long for heaven and home
When Jesus is my portion
My constant friend is He
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me
Chorus
I sing because I'm happy,
And I sing because I'm free
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me
Verse 1
Why should I feel discouraged
Why should the shadows come
Why should my heart be lonely
And long for heaven and home
When Jesus is my portion
Our constant friend is He
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me
Tag
I know He watches me
Video
His Eye Is On The Sparrow Lyric Video • Keith & Kristyn Getty • Heather Headley
Meaning & Inspiration
Heather Headley’s rendition of "His Eye Is On The Sparrow," released on October 22, 2020, offers a powerful resurgence of a beloved hymn, delivering its timeless message of divine care with profound clarity and strength. The enduring spiritual truth embedded in this song traces its roots back to the early 20th century, penned by Civilla D. Martin and Charles H. Gabriel. Its foundation is the profound assurance found in Matthew 10:29-31, where Jesus himself reminds us that not even a single sparrow falls to the ground without our Father's knowledge, and that we are of far greater value than many sparrows. This scriptural basis is the bedrock upon which the hymn builds its comforting narrative, addressing the universal human experience of doubt and loneliness with the steadfast promise of God’s personal attention.
Headley’s interpretation brings this vital message to the forefront, allowing the lyrics to resonate with a fresh potency for contemporary times. The opening lines, "Why should I feel discouraged / Why should the shadows come / Why should my heart feel lonely / And long for heaven and home," beautifully articulate the common struggles of the human spirit. These questions reflect moments of despair, sorrow, and a deep, inherent yearning for ultimate peace and belonging, a "heaven and home" that transcends earthly limitations, much like the longing for a better country described in Hebrews 11:16. The song then offers its powerful spiritual counterpoint: "When Jesus is my portion / My constant friend is He." Here, the solution to human frailty is unequivocally presented as the unwavering presence of Christ. The idea of Jesus as one's "portion" echoes Psalms such as Psalm 73:26, which declares, "God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever," signifying Him as our sustenance, inheritance, and complete satisfaction. To call Him a "constant friend" speaks to His unyielding faithfulness, a companionship that surpasses all earthly bonds, reflecting the truth of John 15:15 where Jesus calls His followers friends.
The central affirmation, "His eye is on the sparrow / And I know He watches me," is more than a simple statement; it is a declaration of ultimate trust in God's meticulous providence. Drawing directly from Matthew 10 and Luke 12, this line reassures us that if God cares for a creature as seemingly insignificant as a sparrow, His attentive and loving oversight extends infinitely more to His children. This "watching" is not passive observation but an active, protective, and deeply personal engagement with our lives, offering comfort to those who feel unseen or overwhelmed. The chorus, "I sing because I'm happy / And I sing because I'm free," reveals the natural, joyful response to this profound truth. This happiness and freedom are not fleeting emotions but a deep-seated state of being, born from the assurance of divine care. Freedom here means liberation from anxiety, fear, and the chains of worldly troubles, a spiritual emancipation found in Christ, as affirmed in John 8:36: "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." Singing, in this context, becomes an act of worship and a powerful declaration of this liberty.
Heather Headley's delivery of this hymn imbues every word with conviction, transforming it into an anthem of unwavering faith. The song serves as a vital reminder that even in our deepest valleys, we are never alone, and our concerns are never too small for God's attention. It encourages a transformative shift in perspective, moving away from dwelling on earthly anxieties to resting in divine sovereignty, echoing Philippians 4:6-7, which urges us not to be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, to present our requests to God. This brings His peace, which transcends all understanding, to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. "His Eye Is On The Sparrow," through Headley's rendition, champions perseverance through faith, encouraging all who encounter its message to fix their eyes on Jesus, who is the author and perfecter of our faith, as detailed in Hebrews 12:2. It stands as a timeless beacon of hope, inspiring trust and offering solace to every seeking soul on their faith journey.