10:10 on a Sunday
She's hurries down the aisle
This week has left her tattered
And single with her only child
In this crowd she feels so lonely
How did it turn out this way
So sweet when she was younger
Now she lives her life in shame
And my heart breaks?
I don't know how you have been broken, but I know that you are loved
There is no burden you could carry that would be too much for us
So when your world is torn and shattered and all your dreams are left undone
No matter what may come? just know that you are loved
There's a war in the hallway
And ridicule rains down
He tries so hard to find some shelter
But it seems like there's no way out
And every insult fired
Destroys a piece of him
They were friends when he was younger
How did this all begin?
I don't know how you have been broken, but I know that you are loved
There is no burden you could carry that would be too much for us
So when your world is torn and shattered and all your dreams are left undone
No matter what may come? just know that you are loved
When fear's a storm and you get lost like tears in rain
Through all the doubt and pain I'll still be hear to say
That you are loved
You are loved
I don't know how you have been broken, but I know that you are loved
There is no burden you could carry that would be too much for us
So when your world is torn and shattered and all your dreams are left undone
No matter what may come? just know that you are loved
Sidewalk Prophets - You Love Me Anyway (Official Video)
Know That You Are Loved Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"Know That You Are Loved" by Sidewalk Prophets is a poignant and deeply moving song that directly addresses listeners who feel broken, isolated, or overwhelmed by life's challenges. Released as part of their album "These Simple Truths," the song quickly resonated with many for its raw honesty and powerful message of hope and acceptance. The band is known for creating music that speaks to the struggles of everyday life from a faith-based perspective, and this song exemplifies that approach by painting vivid pictures of individuals facing difficult circumstances. The included background information points to the "Sidewalk Prophets - You Love Me Anyway (Official Video)" released on May 2, 2011, providing context for the band's visual releases around that period, often accompanying songs with themes of God's steadfast love.
The lyrics introduce compelling narratives that immediately draw the listener in. One verse describes a woman carrying the weight of past mistakes and present difficulties, hurrying into a Sunday service yet feeling profoundly alone within the crowd. Her story highlights the internal battle with shame and loneliness that can persist even when surrounded by others. Another verse portrays a young person enduring ridicule and bullying, facing a "war in the hallway" where words inflict significant damage, leading to feelings of being trapped with "no way out." These scenarios represent common experiences of pain and isolation, making the song relatable to a wide audience who may have faced similar struggles or known someone who has. The feeling of being "tattered" or having pieces of oneself destroyed by insults captures the profound impact of hardship and judgment.
At the heart of the song is the resounding chorus, a direct and unwavering declaration designed to counteract the feelings of worthlessness and despair depicted in the verses. The central message, "I don't know how you have been broken, but I know that you are loved," offers unconditional affirmation. It acknowledges the diverse ways people experience pain without needing to understand the specifics, focusing instead on the certainty of love. The assurance that "there is no burden you could carry that would be too much for us" suggests a shared load and a community or divine presence willing to help bear the weight. Furthermore, the promise that "when your world is torn and shattered and all your dreams are left undone," listeners can still "know that you are loved," speaks to a love that remains constant through devastation, offering stability when everything else falls apart.
The bridge reinforces this message with powerful imagery, comparing fear to a storm where one can feel lost like "tears in rain." Amidst doubt and pain, the unwavering voice repeats, "I'll still be here to say, That you are loved, You are loved." This emphasizes the persistent nature of this love and the commitment to reminding someone of their inherent worth even in their darkest moments. The song effectively conveys a message of divine love and acceptance that is not contingent upon one's circumstances, past mistakes, or the opinions of others.
Biblical scriptures echo the themes presented in "Know That You Are Loved." For example, Romans 8:38-39 speaks to the unshakeable nature of God's love, stating that nothing can separate believers from it, regardless of tribulation, distress, or any other difficulty. Matthew 11:28 offers comfort to the weary and burdened, inviting them to find rest. Galatians 6:2 encourages believers to "bear one another's burdens," reflecting the song's idea that no burden is too much "for us." Psalm 139 speaks to being fearfully and wonderfully made, reinforcing the idea of inherent worth. The song aligns with these foundational principles of faith, reminding listeners that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved by a power greater than their struggles. The song serves as an inspirational anthem for anyone needing a reminder of their value and the unwavering love available to them.