Kathryn Scott + Martin Smith - First Love Lyrics
Lyrics
Chorus:
O, how I love You, Jesus
You are my greatest joy
How I adore You, Jesus
O, my soul rejoice
Verse 1:
You are still my first love
And all I am is Yours
You are still my anchor
Forever I’m secure
Verse 2:
You are still my first love
You’re my guiding light
You’re with me in the fire
And lead me through the night
Pre-Chorus:
You have my heart
You’ve won my heart
Verse 3:
You are still my first love
And all I’m longing for
You’ll always be the fortress
My shelter in the storm
Video
First Love (Lyrics) - Kathryn Scott ft. Martin Smith
Meaning & Inspiration
"First Love" by Kathryn Scott and Martin Smith, released on August 7, 2020, as part of the live album *Speak to Me*, emerges as a profound and tender declaration of unwavering devotion. The song’s essence lies in its beautiful simplicity and the deep, resonant truth it carries: the reaffirmation of Jesus Christ as the supreme object of affection and loyalty. It speaks to a relationship that transcends fleeting emotions, providing steadfast security, infallible guidance, and an enduring refuge, echoing the biblical mandate to love God with every fiber of our being, a cornerstone of faith emphasized in passages like Matthew 22:37.
The chorus, a heartfelt refrain of "O, how I love You, Jesus / You are my greatest joy / How I adore You, Jesus / O, my soul rejoice," sets the tone, an uninhibited outpouring of worship. This sentiment is deeply rooted in Scripture, where the joy found in God's presence is celebrated as absolute and complete, as captured in Psalm 16:11, which proclaims fullness of joy in His presence, and Philippians 4:4, an exhortation to continually rejoice in the Lord. It’s a spontaneous and pure expression of affection, forming the very foundation of Christian adoration.
Verse 1 delves into the permanence of this divine connection: "You are still my first love / And all I am is Yours / You are still my anchor / Forever I’m secure." The phrase "first love" directly evokes the powerful imagery in Revelation 2:4, where the church in Ephesus is gently, yet firmly, called back to the initial fervency of their devotion. Here, the song stands as a vibrant response, a pledge of enduring allegiance. The declaration "all I am is Yours" signifies a complete surrender, mirroring the call in Romans 12:1 to present our lives as living sacrifices. Furthermore, Jesus is presented as the unshakeable "anchor," a potent metaphor for hope and stability, especially relevant in tumultuous times. This resonates profoundly with Hebrews 6:19, which describes this hope in Christ as "a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul." The subsequent affirmation of being "forever secure" finds its biblical parallel in Jesus' promise in John 10:28-29, assuring believers that no one can snatch them out of His hand, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness.
The theme of divine presence and guidance continues in Verse 2: "You are still my first love / You’re my guiding light / You’re with me in the fire / And lead me through the night." Identifying Jesus as a "guiding light" recalls the illuminating power of God's Word, as stated in Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path," and Jesus' own declaration in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." The powerful imagery of being "with me in the fire" vividly illustrates God's companionship through trials and suffering, a direct echo of the book of Daniel where God walks with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. This promise is further solidified in Isaiah 43:2, "When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you." Similarly, the assurance of being led "through the night" speaks to God's unfailing leadership and protection during periods of darkness, sorrow, or uncertainty, reminiscent of the comfort found in Psalm 23:4, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me."
The pre-chorus, with its simple yet profound statement, "You have my heart / You’ve won my heart," encapsulates the captivating and transformative power of God's love. It’s a testament to a divine romance where the Creator's relentless pursuit and unconditional affection draw the human heart into willing surrender and deep devotion.
Verse 3 brings the message to a powerful culmination: "You are still my first love / And all I’m longing for / You’ll always be the fortress / My shelter in the storm." Declaring Jesus as "all I'm longing for" articulates a profound spiritual satisfaction found solely in Him, aligning with Psalm 73:25, "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you." The enduring metaphors of "fortress" and "shelter in the storm" are deeply embedded in biblical language, particularly in the Psalms, portraying God as the ultimate protector and refuge. Psalm 91:2 declares, "I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust,'" and Psalm 46:1 adds, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." These images reassure believers of God's unwavering protection amidst life's inevitable challenges.
The collaboration between Kathryn Scott’s evocative worship-leading voice and Martin Smith's influential songwriting creates a spiritual soundscape that is both intimate and expansive. "First Love" transcends mere musical performance, evolving into a personal prayer and a collective anthem, inviting everyone to return to or reaffirm their primary devotion to Jesus. It serves as a potent reminder that amidst life's shifting sands, our truest joy, most profound security, and clearest guidance are found in Him, our eternal "first love," a message that deeply resonates with the soul's deepest needs and God's unchanging, faithful nature.