Tauren Wells - Known Lyrics

Known

Known Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Tauren Wells' song "Known" offers a profound exploration of divine acceptance, a theme deeply resonant with many listeners. The lyrics paint a picture of overwhelming vulnerability and the surprising experience of being fully seen, not despite one's flaws and internal struggles, but within them. The opening lines convey a sense of astonishment at this level of transparency and the counterintuitive response received – being "called out to pull me in," suggesting a process of exposure leading to intimacy rather than rejection. This foundational concept of being known completely yet still embraced sets the stage for the song's central message of unconditional love and acceptance.

The heart of the song lies in the declaration, "I'm fully known and loved by You." This phrase encapsulates the feeling of liberation that comes from realizing that one's deepest self, including hidden aspects or past mistakes, is not an obstacle to love. The assurance that "You won't let go no matter what I do" speaks to the steadfast nature of this relationship, emphasizing security over performance. The lyrics articulate the unique blend of divine interaction as "hard truth and ridiculous grace," highlighting that this acceptance doesn't ignore reality or challenge, but rather meets it with an extraordinary level of undeserved favor. It is this combination that allows one to cease hiding and truly belong.

Released alongside a compelling music video on June 1, 2018, "Known" quickly resonated, becoming a significant song within contemporary Christian music. Its powerful message of identity found in divine love connects with the universal human desire for acceptance. The song progresses to describe a love that actively pursues, contrasting this divine persistence with human tendencies to stray. This pursuing love is portrayed as a protective force, described as "bullet proof," leading to a surrender to this overwhelming kindness. This surrender is not a defeat but a yielding to a benevolent power that guards the heart with truth.

The bridge of the song poses introspective questions about the nature and magnitude of this love: "How real, how wide, how rich, how high is Your heart?" These lines reflect awe and wonder at a love that seems beyond human comprehension or deserving. The inability to find "the reasons why You give me so much" underscores the grace-filled nature of this relationship – it is not based on merit or logic, but purely on the character of the one offering love. This sense of gratuitous, abundant love reinforces the central theme of being fully known and unconditionally loved, prompting a response of gratitude and wonder.

The themes explored in "Known" find deep roots in numerous biblical passages. The concept of being intimately known by God, even before birth and in our innermost being, is powerfully articulated in Psalm 139. The idea of a pursuing love that seeks out the lost is central to parables in Luke 15, such as the shepherd leaving the ninety-nine for the one or the father welcoming back the prodigal son. The interplay of truth and grace is a defining characteristic of God's nature presented in scripture (John 1:14). Furthermore, the assurance that nothing can separate believers from God's love is a cornerstone of encouragement found in Romans 8:38-39. The freedom from needing to hide, a result of this complete acceptance, speaks to overcoming the shame introduced in Genesis 3 after humanity's initial separation from God, finding restoration and belonging in His presence. The song effectively captures the essence of these scriptural truths, offering an accessible and emotionally resonant expression of divine relationship that is both honest about human frailty and celebratory of divine steadfastness.