You are to me a mighty fortress
I am to you a bride so gorgeous
You are to me a strong defender
I am to you a heart surrendered
You're my Abba, I'm your child
You're my champion, I am your prize
You are to me, I am to you
A song of love
You are to me a consuming fire
I am to you your heart's desire
You are to me the shepherd of my soul
I am to you a lamb in your arms to hold
Like the heavens shower the earth
Your love rains on me
Like the water returns to the heavens
My love rises to thee
Jonathan and Melissa Helser - First Love (Official Lyric Video) | Beautiful Surrender
A Song of Love Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"A Song of Love" by Jonathan David & Melissa Helser, featured on their 2016 album 'Beautiful Surrender', offers a lyrical exploration of the deeply personal and reciprocal relationship between the believer and the divine. The composition articulates this connection through a series of parallel statements, framing the divine presence in various roles of strength, protection, and intimacy, while portraying the individual's response as one of surrender, value, and cherished closeness. The song establishes a dialogue where the divine is depicted as a place of security and defense, a loving parent, and a powerful advocate.
In counterpoint to the divine roles, the individual voice describes itself in terms of devotion and intimacy. This side of the relationship is characterized by a posture of complete surrender and is valued highly by the divine. The lyrics convey a sense of being profoundly desired and held close, like a valued possession, a beloved partner, or a dependent child sheltered in loving arms. This reciprocal phrasing underscores the dynamic nature of the relationship, where both parties are defined in relation to the other, culminating in the declaration of the relationship itself as a "song of love."
Further illustrating this dynamic, the song employs natural imagery to depict the flow of divine and human love. The idea of divine love descending abundantly, like rain nourishing the earth, is paired with the human response of love rising back upwards, similar to water returning to the heavens. This imagery suggests a continuous, cyclical exchange of affection and connection, highlighting the responsiveness of the human heart to the outpouring of divine love and the aspiration of that love returning to its source.
The powerful metaphors used throughout the song resonate with various scriptural themes that describe God's character and His relationship with humanity. The portrayal of God as a mighty fortress and strong defender echoes passages like Psalm 18:2, which speaks of the Lord as a rock, fortress, and deliverer. The intimate address of 'Abba', meaning Father, directly relates to New Testament references in Romans 8:15 and Galatians 4:6, highlighting the spirit of adoption that allows believers to approach God with profound intimacy. The imagery of the believer as a bride corresponds to biblical depictions of the church as the bride of Christ found in Ephesians 5 and Revelation 19. Furthermore, the description of God as the shepherd and the believer as a lamb draws upon familiar pastoral metaphors found in Psalm 23 and Isaiah 40:11, signifying care, guidance, and protection. The mention of a consuming fire aligns with scriptural descriptions of God's holiness and presence, such as in Hebrews 12:29.
Overall, "A Song of Love" serves as an inspirational anthem celebrating the multifaceted relationship with the divine. By presenting God as a powerful protector, an intimate Father, and a passionate pursuer, and by portraying the believer as deeply loved, valued, and secure, the song encourages listeners to embrace a similar posture of surrendered love and dependence. It fosters a sense of belonging and cherished identity, inviting individuals to see themselves as integral to this beautiful, ongoing song of divine affection and human response, reinforcing the profound truth of being both protected and desired within this sacred connection.
