Photo by Tim Mossholder
When I was growing up, this song was a staple at my local congregation. I had no idea who the artist was. I assumed that Michael W. Smith wrote the lyrics to this ditty. I was close!
Smith’s album Worship credits Kelly Carpenter as the author of Draw Me Close. Who is Kelly? He writes the following in his own website:
Kelly is a pianist, recording artist, songwriter, and producer based in the Pacific Northwest. Although he has played a range of styles, the past several years he has been focusing in three main areas of interest: cinematic instrumental soundscapes, which he describes as âwhere new age, jazz, and electronica meetâ, inspirational songs with positive life messages, and relaxing piano instrumentals suitable for any type of quiet time or retreat. He is passionate about peace, social justice and is always on the lookout for ways to make a difference. His mission is to establish a series of events that mobilize communities in celebration of music and the arts and to further the cause of peace, justice, equality, and prosperity.
Fascinating stuff! Of all his works, this song is is most famous and well-recognized in Christian circles.
Lyrics can be found at https://genius.com/Kelly-carpenter-draw-me-close-lyrics.
Update: Commenter Chad Hoffman assisted me with my bewilderment on Verse 1, lines 9 and 10. My updated comment reflects his thoughts, slightly increasing the score from 5.5/10 to 6/10.
Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site! Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review.
1. What message does the song communicate?
It is a great message of love and affection for another person. The artist wants to be with this “you” person, whoever it is. He will sacrifice for him or her. This “you” is the object of his desire. He needs their help to find his way back; however, he does not explain how or why they left to begin with.
Christians will tell me that God is the “you” to which the artist expresses his affection; however, this is not clear in the lyrics. This is a reasonable assumption given the context of original intent.
Score: 8/10
2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?
We will assume that “you” refers to God for biblical evaluation. Under this assumption, most of the lyrics are scripturally sound. However, there are two lines that are problematic.
[Verse 1]
Lines 1 and 2: The concept of God drawing near to us can be found in Psalm 34:18 (to the brokenhearted and crushed in spirit), Psalm 145:18 (when we call upon Him), and James 4:8-10 (those who draw near to God and humble themselves).
Lines 3 and 4: This is highly problematic. The bible does not tell us to lay down our lives just so that God can tell us “I’m your friend”. Rather, it tells us that those who wish to follow Jesus must deny themselves and take up their cross (Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23). We do these things not so that God can tell us nice things, but as an act of obedience.
Lines 5 and 6: God should certainly be the object of our desire. He is our creator (Genesis 1:1, Nehemiah 9:6, Psalm 8:3-8, Psalm 33:6, Psalm 96:5, Proverbs 3:19, Isaiah 37:16, Isaiah 42:5, Isaiah 45:18, Isaiah 66:1-2, John 1:1-3, Ephesians 3:9, Colossians 1:16, and Revelation 4:11) and paid a huge price for our sins (Leviticus 17:11, Isaiah 53:1-12, Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45, John 1:29, John 3:16, Acts 4:12, Acts 20:28, Romans 5:6-10, Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Galatians 1:3-4, Galatians 3:13, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 2:14, 1 Timothy 2:6, Titus 2:14, Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 9:15, Hebrews 9:22, Hebrews 9:26, 1 Peter 1:17-21, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 1:18-19, 1 John 1:7, 1 John 2:1-2, and Revelation 5:9) so that we could be cleansed of unrighteousness and be forgiven for sins committed (Matthew 26:28, Act 2:38, Act 5:31, Act 10:43, Romans 4:7, Romans 5:6-8, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:14, Colossians 2:13-14, James 5:15, James 5:19-20, 1 John 2:1-2, 1 John 2:12).
Lines 7 and 8: This speaks of the uniqueness and greatness of God, to which there is no comparison. This can be found in Exodus 8:10, Exodus 9:14, Deuteronomy 3:24, Deuteronomy 33:26, Jeremiah 10:6, 1 Samuel 2:2, 2 Samuel 7:22, 1 Kings 8:23, 1 Chronicles 17:20, Psalm 86:8, Psalm 89:6, Psalm 113:5-6, Jeremiah 10:7, Isaiah 40:18, and Isaiah 46:9.
Lines 9 and 10: Though I was initially puzzled that the artist would ask for God to find a way back to Him, I now understand that this is about drifting. The mute boy’s father who uttered “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” in Mark 9:23-25 seems to apply here. He has intellectual belief, but his actions do not align with it, asking Jesus to assist.
[Chorus]
Lines 1-3: The artist is expressing his want and need for God. However, he does not tell us why. It is because we need our sins forgiven (Matthew 26:28, Act 2:38, Act 5:31, Act 10:43, Romans 4:7, Romans 5:6-8, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:14, Colossians 2:13-14, James 5:15, James 5:19-20, 1 John 2:1-2, and 1 John 2:12).
Line 4: repeat concept within verse 1, lines 1-2.
Score: 8/10
3. How would an outsider interpret the song?
Imagine that this song was played at Wal Mart, while a crowd of unsuspecting customers shop for clothing, shoes, and apparel. What would they think? Would the average unbeliever more likely think that the artist sings to God or a woman whom he loves? That’s what I thought.
Score: 0/10
4. What does this song glorify?
I am highly torn. One the one hand, there is much Scriptural support for these lyrics and reasonable assumption that “you” refers to God. On the other hand, there are problematic lines and no reasonable non-christian would think that we’re praising God with these lyrics outside a church setting. There is only one fair way to complete this section. Go right down the middle!
Score: 5/10
Closing Comments
Despite its popularity, Kelly Carpenter’s Draw Me Close is a mixed bag. Though the message is wonderful and its lyrics are mostly biblical, it is not clear who “you” refers to, making it impossible for those outside the camp of Christ to see this as another love song to a woman. This makes it difficult to bring glory to God.
Final Score: 6/10
Artist Info
Track: Draw Me Close (listen to the song)
Artist:Â Kelly Carpenter
Album:Â Draw Me Close
Genre:Â Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)
Release Year: 1994 (originally written), 2001 (earliest album release)
Duration:Â 4:14
Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.
Comments
Julian Downward
This is a conversation I’ve witnessed going on for years… interesting how this song has captured such attention. I heard years ago, that the writer (whoever they are) wrote it after repenting over an extra marital affair. I also heard that post writing the song, he did it again. Was ‘reliably informed’ by another minister who had it from the church the writer was part of. Nonsense? Dunno. does anyone know? It would certainly put the lyric into even greater focus. The affair APPARENTLY..took him away from the Lord.. hence such lines as.. help me find a way… bring me back to You. Either way.. it still inspires devotion today, this song…whether there’s a mention of Jesus or not. I think we can all direct lyrics of a moving song to whoever we want and it still be meaningful even if the writer didn’t intend it in the first (place??)
Kelly Carpenter
As the writer of Draw Me Close, I can say this is patently untrue. I am not sure how these rumors get started. I wrote the song after having led worship one day and felt disconnected from the Lord. It’s as simple as that. In the spirit of the Psalms, it is a song of love and rededication to God.
Vince Wright
Kelly,
First, it’s an honor to see you reading my review! I realize that my words are critical of your work, but I hope you understand where I’m coming from. Personally speaking, I still like the song, but I think it could be a bit clearer.
Second, thanks for clearing up those rumors! I appreciate that you shared the inspiration behind this song.
-Vince Wright
Jennifer
Iâve always seen the âYouâ as Jesus. However, recently the song spoke to my heart as the verse being sung by Jesus to me, and the chorus being my desperate response back to Him. My feeling was that Iâm the one who drifts, He never does. He is always there, has laid down His life for me to give me the opportunity to enter into that intimate relationship with Him. While I understand that He loves everyone (not that Iâm the only one who will do), His love for me is intimate and personal. He waits for us to return to Him – giving us the free will to choose. Wondering your thoughts on this take?
Amy
Are you aware that Kelly Carpenter did not write this song? It was written in 1995 (the year he claims) but was written by the worship team at Brownsville Assembly of Gods during the revival that has become known as the Brownsville Revival. Mr. Carpenter was not a part of that team, church, etc… AT this point, Mr Carpenter has taken ownership of the song and is ‘accepted’ as the writer be everyone….nothing can be done about it. Just know that there are a number of people who know who really wrote the song.
Julian Downward
Hey Amy.. thanks for this…. I’d love to know who did then… and why it hasn’t been contested… and why Kelly would intentionally and dishonestly take credit… lot of questions in other words.
Len
Copyright info gives credit to Kelly Carpenter. It was originally listed on a Vineyard recording which pre-dated the Brownsville Revival. I believe the worship leader was Andy Park. Lindell Cooley used a number of Vineyard songs during that season.
Richard P Towne
Just listening to this song a short while ago as part of the Vineyard Anaheim love stream service. It comes out of the Vineyard stream of more personal and intimate worship songs. Aside from the theological points here, which are meaningful, Iâd like more songs like this these days.
Vince Wright
Richard,
Thank you for your thoughts!
Given the swirling negative news about COVID-19, we could certainly use more intimacy with God!
-Vince Wright
Jim Felts
I think before you critique a song you should look into what the artist has to say. I think it was in âCrosswalk.comâ Song Story he shared the story.
He was struggling as we all do in our relationship with God. Stuff keeps getting in the way. Itâs called life. We all have to keep laying down things that have gotten in the way of our âFirst Loveâ with Christ.
I know I need reassurance at those times because the âenemy of our soulsâ keeps yelling at me that I am really not a Christian or I wouldnât have allowed those distractions, many of which he put there) to pull me away.
Itâs the same way with my wife at times. I have to stop and reconnect with her, repent to her and do penance, and get reassurance that we are okay. Its the same with any relationship.
Vince Wright
Jim,
Thank you for your suggestion! While it is important to examine the intentions of artists, sometimes their execution has unintended consequences; However, if this song was a help to you, great! God has used it despite my criticism.
-Vince Wright
Paula
I stumbled upon that article too. Seems to me that the artist wasn’t talking about laying down his life, but rather laying “it all” down, the things that he had put in front of his relationship with the Lord. I understand that Vince wants to consider any consequences a song might have when reviewing the lyrics, and I like that about this website. I just thought I’d post the link to the article here, maybe it helps someone: https://www.crosswalk.com/church/worship/song-story-1182314.html
Chad Hoffman
I like this site as it is good to give consideration to our worship songs and know we are singing biblically accurate lyrics.
For this song I think you are overly critical on lines 3 and 4. As stated we are called to lay down our lives for Jesus. Also I believe He would say we are his friends. Even more so Jesus refers to us as his brethren! What a loving Savior we have. While I understand that picking up our crosses daily is an act of obedience, I can also see how His great love for us is a motivating factor in our obedience.
I also think you missed the point on lines 9 and 10. Of course Jesus is the way to the Father. I believe that Kelly Carpenter knows this too. However, sometimes we get so caught up in life and trying to do things on our own that we drift away from God. We might know Jesus is the way but we forget how to draw near to Him. We are told to ask anything in His name and it will be given. I look at this as a heartfelt prayer asking God for help in being close to Him again.
I agree with you in that I wish the song mentioned the name of God/Jesus in some specific form. There are some Christian songs that make me wonder if the artist left that out intentionally in order to increase the songâs popularity. Iâm thinking of a different âChristianâ song that has a music video that portrays images of a man and a woman falling in love. However, if you read Carpenterâs story behind this song, I donât think this was his intent.
I have read your evaluation criteria so I understand the scoring on the above point and the next.
Finally, however, I donât think any song we sing has to be evangelistic in nature. I get that it might not be viewed in the right light by non-believers and mentioning Gods name in the song could correct this. However, I see this as a personal love song to our Heavenly Savior – not meant for outsiders.
While I view many worship songs as non-evangelistic, there are some (especially old hymns) that are both personal love songs and evangelistic. âIn Christ Aloneâ is a prime example. If we use a song like that as a standard then I still like your scoring for this one on that point.
Thanks for your website and helping us think more critically about the songs we sing.
Vince Wright
Chad,
Thank you for your challenges!
Regarding Verse 1, lines 3 and 4: My criticism is directed towards the rationale behind sacrificing for Jesus. We don’t do it because we want to hear Him say “I’m your friend”. Yes, I agree with you, that He does call us that; However, that is not why we lay down our lives for Him. We do it because He asked us to. We do it because He is worthy. We do it to thank Him for all that He has done for us. But, not so that we could receive His words “I’m your friend”.
Regarding Verse 1, lines 9 and 10: Yes, I probably did miss the point, hence my expression of bewilderment! Your comment about drifting/returning. I updated my review to reflect these thoughts.
Regarding the name of God/Jesus: I agree, this frustrates me too! It doesn’t necessarily have to be explicit. Attributes or allusions will do just fine, so long as it’s clear that they refer only to the God of Christianity, as opposed to, say, Allah or Vishnu.
Regarding evangelistic songs: I agree, it does not have to be evangelistic in nature, but it should leave as little room as possible for misinterpretation. For section 3, this is outside church or Christian radio context.
My pleasure! Also, I am glad you could help me think more clearly about the end of Verse 1!
-Vince Wright