Duncan began his solo career in 1985 with his old label Light Records following the dissolution in 1984 of his prior musical endeavor Sweet Comfort Band. Since then, he has recorded for four different labels, including his own imprint, Red Road Records. His material since after 2012 has been self-released with 2019's SHINE the most recent. In 1992, CCM Industry trade magazine Christian Research Report named his album MERCY their Album of the Year.
Bryan's Hymn
Bryan Duncan Lyrics
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You are always waiting
With a heart that understands before I speak
And I learn from You
All that really matters
Though a million years go by You'll still love me
I no longer look for a place to hide
Cause I know where I belongWhen I turn to You
When I turn to You
When I turn to You, dear Lord
I know that I love You
When I turn to You
You are watching over me
Through eyes that look beyond the faults I see
And I learn from You
You are always merciful
Though I remember all that You've forgiven me
I no longer look for a place to hide
Cause I know where I belong
When I turn to You
When I turn to You
When I turn to You, dear Lord
I know that I love You
In Bryan Duncan's song Bryan's Hymn, the lyrics speak to the comfort and security found in turning to God. The opening lines express the idea that, when one turns to God, He is always there waiting with a heart that understands. This can be seen as a reference to the idea that God is omnipresent, meaning He is everywhere at all times. The singer then goes on to say that he learns everything that really matters from God. In other words, the things that are truly important in life can be learned from God. These truths are timeless, applicable to any generation and will still be relevant even after a million years.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "When I turn to You" multiple times, emphasizing the act of seeking God. The lyrics continue to express the idea that when the singer turns to God, he no longer feels like he needs to hide because he knows where he belongs. This alludes to the idea that God provides a sense of belonging and ownership for people who choose to turn to Him. The second verse builds on this sense of comfort by stressing the idea that God looks beyond the faults in people and is always merciful. In closing, the singer affirms his love for God.
Line by Line Meaning
When I turn to You
Acknowledging the act of seeking divine guidance, strength and solace
You are always waiting
Expressing the readiness and willingness of God to offer help and support
With a heart that understands before I speak
Explaining how God's understanding and empathy goes even beyond spoken words
And I learn from You
Indicating the importance of gaining knowledge, wisdom and insight from God
All that really matters
Hinting at the significance of focusing on what truly counts in life
Though a million years go by You'll still love me
Expressing God's eternal and unconditional love for humans, regardless of their flaws and imperfections
I no longer look for a place to hide
Emphasizing the sense of safety, security and belonging found in God's presence
Cause I know where I belong
Affirming the feeling of being rooted and grounded in one's faith
When I turn to You, dear Lord
Addressing God with respect and affection
I know that I love You
Stating the personal and emotional connection between the singer and God
You are watching over me
Stating the belief that God is constantly and attentively caring for and protecting individuals
Through eyes that look beyond the faults I see
Emphasizing God's ability to see beyond human weaknesses, mistakes and failures
You are always merciful
Describing God's character as forgiving, compassionate and kind
Though I remember all that You've forgiven me
Acknowledging the need for repentance and gratitude towards God's redeeming grace
Contributed by Brody T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.