Bennett's music is very much a expression of his life experiences from the point of view of his faith. From his difficulties to forget past hurts to his divorce to the discovery of 'small graces' that keep him rooted in the love of his Lord. Bennett has a wonderfully smooth voice and plays a simple but effective guitar.
You're Welcome Here
Bob Bennett Lyrics
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W/M: Bob Bennett
© 1979 Maranatha! Music (ASCAP)
Lord, I hear you knocking
You been knocking at the door
How long have you been waiting
Seems I never really heard you before
I'm ashamed at what you'll find
But you can make yourself at home
If you're sure that you don't mind
Cause when I cry, the roof leaks
And when the wind blows, the walls are weak
But a house is known by the company it keeps
And I feel better now that you're near
And I want to make it clear
Jesus, from now on
You're always welcome here
There are dark rooms deep inside me
Where your light has never shown
And I tried to hide inside them
But I guess you've always known
That one day you would call me
And I'd awaken from my sleep
And you'd take me just the way I am
And you promise me you'd keep me.
Bob Bennett's song "You're Welcome Here" is a reflection of a person's willingness to let Jesus into their life. The song begins with an acknowledgement of God's persistent knocking on the door and the realization that the individual had not been attentive enough to notice it. The person describes the state of their heart and home, shameful of what Jesus might find, but they finally open the door and invite Jesus in with an assurance that he is welcome.
The lyrics reveal the vulnerabilities and weaknesses of the individual, which are metaphorically compared to the leaky roof and weak walls of a house. However, Jesus is welcomed with open arms because his company makes them feel better, and the person expresses their desire to make it clear that Jesus will always be welcome. The second verse delves deeper into the individual's inner struggles, hidden in the dark rooms of their heart. They have attempted to conceal them, but Jesus knows all their secrets. Despite this, Jesus still calls them and accepts them for who they are, promising to keep them.
In short, "You're Welcome Here" is a song about surrendering one's heart to Jesus with all their imperfections, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities, and trusting him to guide them through life.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord, I hear you knocking
I'm aware of your presence and that you want to come in
You been knocking at the door
You've been trying to get my attention for a while now
How long have you been waiting
You're patient and willing to wait for me to acknowledge you
Seems I never really heard you before
I didn't recognize your voice or understand your message until now
I've kind of let the place go
I've neglected my relationship with you and my faith
I'm ashamed at what you'll find
I'm not proud of my faults and shortcomings, but I trust you to help me improve
But you can make yourself at home
I'm giving you permission to stay and be a part of my life
If you're sure that you don't mind
I want to make sure that you feel welcome and comfortable with me
Cause when I cry, the roof leaks
I'm vulnerable and have weaknesses that are exposed when I'm upset
And when the wind blows, the walls are weak
I'm easily affected and overturned by external factors beyond my control
But a house is known by the company it keeps
I want to surround myself with positive, loving people like you in order to improve myself
And I feel better now that you're near
Your presence makes me feel comforted and reassured
And I want to make it clear
I want to be open and honest with you
Jesus, from now on
I want to make a commitment to you and my faith
You're always welcome here
I want you to be an important and constant presence in my life
There are dark rooms deep inside me
I recognize that there are parts of myself that are flawed or in need of improvement
Where your light has never shown
I've kept these flaws hidden from you or others, but I know that you can help me overcome them
And I tried to hide inside them
I've been avoiding confrontation of my flaws and mistakes
But I guess you've always known
You understand me better than I thought, and you know what I need even when I don't
That one day you would call me
I'm grateful for your acceptance and guidance in leading me towards a better me
And I'd awaken from my sleep
I'll learn to identify my flaws and work on them to make myself a better person
And you'd take me just the way I am
You don't judge me for my flaws, but rather guide me towards the right path to improve myself
And you promise me you'd keep me.
You will always be with and guide me, no matter what happens, and to keep me safe during difficult times.
Contributed by Carson P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.