Her sophomore album, Heart, was released on February 14, 2012. Marshall Altman (Natasha Bedingfield, Marc Broussard) produced both sets.
For more information on Audrey Assad visit http://www.audreyassad.com
Lead Kindly Light
Audrey Assad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The night is long and I am far from home
Here in the dark, I do not ask to see
The path ahead--one step enough for me
Lead on, lead on, kindly light.
I was not ever willing to be led
I could have stayed, but I ran instead
My eyes could see, but my heart was blind
Lead on, lead on, kindly light.
And in the night, when I was afraid
Your feet beside my own on the way
Each stumbling step where other men have trod
Shortens the road leading home to my God
Lead on, lead on,
My God, my God,
Lead on, lead on, kindly light.
Audrey Assad's song "Lead Kindly Light" is a prayerful plea for guidance in the midst of darkness and uncertainty. The opening line "Lead, kindly light, amidst the grey and gloom" sets the tone for the entire song as it expresses the desire for a guiding light to pierce through the darkness.
The singer acknowledges her own limitations and frailty, recognizing that she cannot see the path ahead but simply trusts that one step at a time is enough to move forward. The line "Here in the dark, I do not ask to see/The path ahead--one step enough for me" highlights an attitude of humility and surrender, where she relinquishes her need for control and asks to be led by a higher power.
The second verse reflects on the times when the singer has chosen to follow her own pride and desires instead of being led. The line "I was not ever willing to be led/I could have stayed, but I ran instead" suggests that human nature often resists being led, even when it is for our own good. The contrast between seeing with one's eyes but being blind in one's heart shows the importance of inner sight, acknowledging that sometimes the way ahead can be obscured by one's own biases and desires.
The final verse is a reflection on the journey of life and the comfort that comes from walking with others who have also faced struggles and obstacles. The imagery of "stumbling steps where other men have trod" acknowledges the universality of pain and hardship, but also recognizes the possibility of finding home with God. The repeated plea "Lead on, lead on, kindly light" is a reminder that the journey is ongoing and that the singer relies on God's guidance to continue.
Line by Line Meaning
Lead, kindly light, amidst the grey and gloom
I am asking for your guidance, even in the hardest of times when everything is dark and grey.
The night is long and I am far from home
I feel lost and far from where I belong, and the darkness seems never-ending.
Here in the dark, I do not ask to see
The path ahead--one step enough for me
I am not looking for a clear direction, all I need is a single step and I trust that it will lead me towards where I need to be.
I was not ever willing to be led
I could have stayed, but I ran instead
In spite of fear, I followed my pride
My eyes could see, but my heart was blind
In the past, I was stubborn and afraid to let others guide me. I made decisions based on pride and not on what was truly best for me, and I was blind to my own faults.
And in the night, when I was afraid
Your feet beside my own on the way
Each stumbling step where other men have trod
Shortens the road leading home to my God
Now, I understand the comfort that comes with having someone beside me in the midst of my fears. Each step in the path that others have taken before me brings me closer to reuniting with God.
Lead on, lead on,
My God, my God,
Lead on, lead on, kindly light.
God, please continue guiding me with your divine light towards my ultimate destination, no matter how small each step may be.
Writer(s): Audrey Nicole Assad
Contributed by Lucas Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@johbenny7
Lead, kindly Light, amidst the grey and gloom
The night is long and I am far from home
Here in the dark, I do not ask to see
The path ahead-one step enough for me
Lead on, lead on, kindly Light.
I was not ever willing to be led
I could have stayed, but I ran instead
In spite of fear, I followed my pride
My eyes could see, but my heart was blind
Lead on, lead on, kindly Light.
And in the night, when i was afraid
Your feet beside my own on the way
Each stumbling step where other men have trod
Shortens the road leading home to my God
Lead on, lead on,
My God, My God,
Lead on, lead on, kindly Light.
@johbenny7
Lead, kindly Light, amidst the grey and gloom
The night is long and I am far from home
Here in the dark, I do not ask to see
The path ahead-one step enough for me
Lead on, lead on, kindly Light.
I was not ever willing to be led
I could have stayed, but I ran instead
In spite of fear, I followed my pride
My eyes could see, but my heart was blind
Lead on, lead on, kindly Light.
And in the night, when i was afraid
Your feet beside my own on the way
Each stumbling step where other men have trod
Shortens the road leading home to my God
Lead on, lead on,
My God, My God,
Lead on, lead on, kindly Light.
@melvacherry1291
Thank you for sharing these beautiful lyrics.
@kenboyer5948
Ditto on providing the lyrics. Thanks!
@terrygrossmayer6742
Audrey, come back!
@zqgyt.7328
If i'd imagine the voice of an angel, it would be exactly like this.
@caramargaretbrown
This song is ike walking through pristine snow at sunrise. Exquisite.
@johnlawreignzmonton4274
This Song made me Cry many Times
@heidigomes5117
Your voice and music is such a beautiful comforting gift of the glory of God, like a warm strong hug from Him. Praising the Lord for how He makes Himself known in all the wonders of creation, especially your voice, heart and words.
@MCSmith29
OMG, I love this song so much!
@priscilabernal8326
Beautiful ! Amazing !