Haas lives in Eagan, Minnesota where he is the Director of the Emmaus Center for Music, Prayer and Ministry. He is also Campus Minister and Artist in Residence at Benilde-St. Margaret's School in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, where he teaches in the music and theology departments.
Haas has produced over forty original collections and recordings of liturgical music. His music is sung throughout the world and appears in many hymnals of various denominations and languages. His best-known works include sacred songs and hymns, including "Blest Are They", "We Have Been Told", "You Are Mine", "Song of the Body of Christ" and "We Will Rise Again", as well as several Masses, collections of ritual music, and collections of psalm settings and paraphrases.
As Water to the Thirsty
David Haas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
as strength that follows weakness, as truth instead of lies,
as song time and springtime and summertime to be,
so is my Lord, my living Lord so is my Lord to me.
2. Like calm in place of clamor, like peace that follows pain,
like meeting after parting, like sunshine after rain,
like moonlight and starlight on the sea,
3. Instrumental solo.
4. As sleep that follows fever, as gold instead of grey,
as freedom after bondage, as sunshine to the day,
as home to the traveler and all we long to see,
so is my Lord, my living Lord so is my Lord to me.
The song "As Water to the Thirsty" written by David Haas, talks about the essential things that our Lord brings into our lives. The first verse compares the presence of God in one's life to water, beauty, strength, truth, song time, springtime, and summertime. Water is something that the thirsty longs for and brings us relief, similarly, the presence of God in our life brings us relief from all the huddles that we go through on a daily basis. Beauty is something that attracts our attention and inspires us; the presence of God in one's life brings that extra beauty, which inspires and motivates us to move on in life. Strength is another crucial aspect; the presence of God makes us strong enough to overcome obstacles that would have otherwise defeated us. Lastly, truth brings clarity and the certainty that we need to move forward in life.
The second verse goes on to explain the different situations that we go through in life and how His presence in our lives makes them bearable. The verse talks about calm taking place of clamor, peace taking the place of pain, and the coming together after a time of departure. These are situations that we all go through in life, and the presence of God brings comfort and makes us understand that there is always hope. Moonlight and starlight on the sea indicate the beauty and serenity promised by the Lord.
In summary, the song tries to emphasize the importance of having God's presence in our lives. Through its lyrics, it points out that the Lord provides relief, beauty, strength, truth, peace, and calmness in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
As water to the thirsty, as beauty to the eyes,
My Lord replenishes my soul like water does to a thirsty person and beautifies my life.
as strength that follows weakness, as truth instead of lies,
My Lord gives me strength, uplifts me when I am weak and shows me the path of truth.
as song time and springtime and summertime to be,
My Lord brings joy and happiness to my life like the song of springtime and summertime.
so is my Lord, my living Lord so is my Lord to me.
My Lord is my true savior and protector.
Like calm in place of clamor, like peace that follows pain,
My Lord brings peace to my life, calming the chaos and healing my pain.
like meeting after parting, like sunshine after rain,
My Lord brings happiness to my life like the reunion with a loved one or sunshine after rain.
like moonlight and starlight on the sea,
My Lord gives purpose and light to my life as moonlight and starlight do on the sea.
As sleep that follows fever, as gold instead of grey,
My Lord brings a sense of relief, alleviating my hardships and giving me hope for a brighter future.
as freedom after bondage, as sunshine to the day,
My Lord gives me liberation from my struggles and brightens up my dull days with sunshine.
as home to the traveler and all we long to see,
My Lord is my ultimate destination where all my desires culminate.
Contributed by Samuel P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.