Hillsong Young And Free - Pride Of A Father Lyrics
Lyrics
I could run a thousand miles
To win the race of life
But what's the value
Without You?
I could write a thousand psalms
To captivate Your heart
But more than offerings
Lord, You seek the depths of me
When You see me
You see my heart
Through the eyes of Your mercy
In the light of Your Son
You love me
With open arms
And the pride of a father
I was once a prodigal
Burdened by my shame
Till You came running
To remind me
Your love is unconditional
And in Your eyes I'm worthy of
Forgiveness
Oh, what was lost is now redeemed
When You see me
You see my heart
Through the eyes of Your mercy
In the light of Your Son
You love me
With open arms
And the pride of a father
Oh, I know You love me
I know You love me, oh
You never leave me
You never leave me
By my side, You're
By my side, yeah
Who am I that You love me?
Who am I that You saved my soul?
Who am I without You, Lord?
Who am I to be worthy?
Who am I that You're mindful of me?
Who am I that You call me Yours?
Who am I that You love me?
Who am I that You saved my soul?
Who am I without You, Lord?
And who am I to be worthy?
Who am I that You're mindful of me?
Who am I that You call me Yours?
Who am I that You love me?
Who am I that You saved my soul?
Who am I without You, Lord?
And who am I to be worthy?
Who am I that You're mindful of me?
Who am I that You call me Yours?
When You see me
You see my heart
Through the eyes of Your mercy
In the light of Your Son
You love me
With open arms
And the pride of a father
When You see me
You see my heart
Through the eyes of Your mercy
In the light of Your Son
You love me
With open arms
And the pride of a father
I know You love me
And the pride of a father
Video
Pride Of A Father (Official Live Video) - Hillsong Young & Free
Meaning & Inspiration
Hillsong Young & Free's "Pride Of A Father," released on July 30, 2021, as part of their album *Out Here On A Friday Where It Began*, offers a profound exploration of divine love and acceptance, framed through the lens of a paternal relationship. The song doesn't just present theological concepts; it invites listeners into a deeply personal encounter with God's affection, emphasizing His perspective on humanity. The central narrative grapples with the human tendency to measure worth through personal achievement or effort, as evidenced by the opening lines reflecting on running "a thousand miles to win the race of life" or writing "a thousand psalms to captivate Your heart." These are poignant acknowledgments that external actions, however grand, fall short of satisfying God's desire for genuine connection, echoing the sentiment in 1 Samuel 16:7, "For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." The song beautifully contrasts this with God's unmerited grace, stating, "When You see me, You see my heart, Through the eyes of Your mercy, In the light of Your Son." This powerful imagery directly alludes to Christ's sacrifice, the means by which our hearts are purified and viewed through God's benevolent gaze.
The profound realization of God's love is further illuminated by the song's powerful confession of past brokenness, particularly the imagery of being a "prodigal, burdened by my shame." This resonates deeply with the parable found in Luke 15:11-32, where the father runs to his wayward son, embracing him unconditionally. The lyrics declare, "Till You came running to remind me, Your love is unconditional." This is a direct affirmation of God's steadfast love that predates our efforts and remains unwavering, a theme strongly present in Romans 5:8: "but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The song emphasizes that in God's eyes, we are not defined by our past mistakes but by His redemptive work. The repeated question, "Who am I that You love me? Who am I that You saved my soul?" is a humble and awe-struck contemplation of this grace, a sentiment echoed throughout Scripture. It calls to mind the wonder expressed in Psalm 8:4, "What is man that you are mindful of him?" and 1 John 3:1, which speaks of the incredible love the Father has bestowed upon us, making us children of God. The powerful refrain, "You love me with open arms and the pride of a father," is a masterful metaphor that encapsulates God's joyous affirmation and protective embrace of His children. It speaks to a love that is not merely tolerant but celebratory, a father's deep satisfaction in his beloved, mirroring the joy described in Zephaniah 3:17: "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you, he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." The song ultimately serves as an anthem of assurance, encouraging listeners to internalize the truth of their immense worth and belovedness in the eyes of their heavenly Father.