Matt Redman - When My Heart Runs Dry Lyrics
Lyrics
When my heart runs dry
And there's no song to sing
No holy melody
No words of love within
I recall the height from which
This fragile heart has slipped...
Chorus:
And I'll remember You
I will turn back and do
The things I used to do
for the love of You
Lord, I'll remember You
I will turn back and do
The things I used to do
for the love of You
You are my soul's desire
You are the hope within
You bring my heart to life
You make my spirit sing
I recall the height from which
This fragile heart has slipped...
Video
When My Heart Runs Dry - Matt Redman
Meaning & Inspiration
"When My Heart Runs Dry," released on January 1, 2002, as part of Matt Redman's album *Where Angels Fear to Tread*, immediately establishes itself as a profound spiritual reflection. This song delves into the universal experience of spiritual desolation, offering not just a lament but a powerful anthem of resolve and restoration. Redman, known for his ability to articulate the heart's yearning for God, here gives voice to those moments when faith feels like a barren landscape, devoid of the usual joy and connection. It’s a brave admission of human frailty, yet simultaneously a declaration of unwavering commitment to return to the source of life.
The narrative of the song begins with a stark portrayal of spiritual drought: a heart that "runs dry," where "no holy melody" or "words of love within" can be found. This imagery resonates deeply with anyone who has walked through a period of spiritual apathy or weariness. It speaks to a common struggle, often unvoiced, where the vibrant expressions of faith seem to have faded. The subsequent line, "I recall the height from which this fragile heart has slipped," is a pivotal moment of self-awareness. It's an honest acknowledgment of having drifted, a confession that one has moved away from a place of closer communion with the Divine. This mirrors the poignant call in Revelation 2:4-5 to the church in Ephesus, urging them to "remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first." It’s a spiritual diagnostic, pinpointing the loss of an initial fervor and the need for introspection.
From this place of candid admission, the song pivots into its powerful chorus, a resolute declaration of intent: "And I'll remember You, I will turn back and do the things I used to do for the love of You." This isn't just a nostalgic glance backward; it's a proactive commitment to re-engage with the disciplines and affections that once nourished the soul. It embodies the essence of repentance – a turning around, a deliberate redirection of one's heart back to God. This resolve is not born out of obligation but out of "love," emphasizing a relational longing rather than a legalistic duty. It echoes the prophetic words in Hosea 14:1, "Return, Israel, to the Lord your God," and the promise in Jeremiah 29:13, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." The repetition of the chorus solidifies this commitment, transforming a fleeting thought into a foundational principle for spiritual renewal.
The song’s second verse then shifts the focus from personal struggle to the glorious character of God, providing the ultimate motivation for this return. "You are my soul's desire, You are the hope within, You bring my heart to life, You make my spirit sing." Here, the songwriter reminds us that even when our hearts are dry, God remains the unchanging source of all life and joy. He is the one our souls truly thirst for, much like the psalmist declares in Psalm 42:1, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." He is the steadfast hope that anchors us in turbulent times (Romans 15:13) and the one who can revive even the driest bones, breathing new life into a weary spirit (Ezekiel 37). It’s a profound recognition that our spiritual vitality doesn't originate from within us but flows from Him. The acknowledgment that God "makes my spirit sing" directly contrasts the initial lament of "no song to sing," offering a powerful promise of restoration that comes from His presence. The concluding return to "I recall the height from which this fragile heart has slipped" serves as a poignant loop, reminding us that even in moments of remembering God's goodness, the journey back often begins with honest self-assessment and a humble turning toward Him.
"When My Heart Runs Dry" stands as a timeless and essential piece within Christian worship, offering profound encouragement for anyone experiencing spiritual fatigue. Its message is a steadfast reminder that dryness is not the end, but often a call to remember, repent, and return to the living water that is God Himself. It inspires a proactive faith, urging individuals to not merely wait for inspiration but to actively re-engage with the foundational practices and affections that define a devoted walk with Christ, all driven by a deep love for the One who is our ultimate desire and the source of all life.