Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away
Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching
As if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run
'Cause I'll be by your side wherever you fall
In the dead of night whenever you call
And please don't fight these hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you
Look at these hands at my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life
And I'll be by your side wherever you fall
In the dead of night whenever you call
And please don't fight these hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you
Here at my side wherever you fall
In the dead of night whenever you call
And please don't fight these hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you
'Cause I, I love you
I want you to know
That I, yeah I'll love you
I'll never let you go, no, no
And I'll be by your side wherever you fall
In the dead of night whenever you call
And please don't fight these hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you
Here at my side wherever you fall
In the dead of night whenever you call
And please don't fight these hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you
Here at my side, my hands are holding you
Ohhh...
Hillsong United - By Your Side
Tenth Avenue North - By Your Side official music video
By Your Side Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Tenth Avenue North's song "By Your Side," released with an official music video on June 19, 2009, speaks directly to the listener who feels weary, striving, and searching for validation or love in external places. The opening lines pose searching questions, asking why there is so much effort put into earning something freely offered, why there is crying, and why love is sought elsewhere as if the speaker is insufficient. These questions gently challenge the listener's perspective and actions, urging them not to turn away from the source of comfort being offered.
The song transitions into a powerful declaration of presence and unwavering support. The recurring chorus assures the listener, "I'll be by your side wherever you fall, in the dead of night whenever you call." This promise highlights a constant availability and faithfulness, regardless of circumstance or time. The plea "please don't fight these hands that are holding you" suggests resistance to the very help and comfort being extended, emphasizing that this support is actively offered and readily available if accepted. The repetition of "My hands are holding you" reinforces the strength and security of this embrace.
A pivotal section of the song offers the identity and sacrifice of the speaker. Reference is made to hands that "swallowed the grave on that night," connecting the speaker to a victory over death. The line "When I drank the world's sin" points to a significant redemptive act, taking on the burdens and wrongs of humanity. This sacrifice is presented as the reason the speaker can "carry you in" and "give you life," suggesting access to a new existence or spiritual vitality made possible by this past event. This imagery strongly resonates with the core tenets of Christian faith, particularly the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, where his sacrifice is understood to have conquered sin and death, offering salvation and eternal life. Scriptures like Romans 6:23 (for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord) and Isaiah 53:4-5 (Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering... and by his wounds we are healed) reflect these themes of substitutionary sacrifice and the gift of life.
The song culminates in a simple yet profound affirmation of love. The speaker declares, "I love you, I want you to know, that I, yeah I'll love you, I'll never let you go." This declaration underscores the motivation behind the presence and support offered throughout the song. It is not based on the listener's merit or actions but flows from an unconditional love. This echoes biblical assurances of God's enduring love and faithfulness, such as in Jeremiah 31:3 ("I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness") and Hebrews 13:5 ("Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you"). "By Your Side" serves as a tender invitation to rest in this assured love and presence, encouraging the listener to cease their striving and accept the unwavering embrace being offered.
