Green Pastures
Emmylou Harris and Ricky Skaggs Lyrics
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Oh, where the clear, sweet waters flow
Though evil shadows are all around me
I'm not afraid, He's there, I know
The storms will come and rage around me
I'm not alone, He is my shield
When I'm weary, alone and forsakenHe lifts me up, He is so real
Though I must lay in the fields not aware
Where danger waits, I may go on
My Master looks then until He finds me
He'll kindly backed him to the fold
I know for sure He'll love and protect me
Oh, when I call He's there, so I swear
He'll draw us near for that final journey
To that green pastures in the sky
The lyrics of "Green Pastures" by Emmylou Harris and Ricky Skaggs speak to the unshakable faith the singer has in their relationship with God, who they refer to as the Shepherd. The lyrics are inspired by Psalm 23 and speaks of the Shepherd leading the singer to green pastures where clear, sweet waters flow. Despite the presence of evil shadows around them, the singer is not afraid because they know that God is with them. The storms of life may come and rage around them but they trust in God to shield them from harm. When they are weary, alone, and forsaken, God lifts them up and is so real to them in their time of need.
The song speaks to the unwavering faith the singer has in their relationship with God. When they are lost and in danger, they trust that God will find them and bring them back to the fold. They trust that God will protect and love them as they call on Him. The final journey to green pastures in the sky speaks to the singer's belief in an afterlife where they will be reunited with their Maker.
Overall, "Green Pastures" is a beautiful lyrical expression of faith, hope, and trust in God despite the obstacles and challenges that life may bring.
Line by Line Meaning
The Shepherd leads me high up to green pastures
The guiding hand of the divine leads me towards a place of comfort and prosperity
Oh, where the clear, sweet waters flow
This tranquil location is accompanied by nourishing and soothing elements
Though evil shadows are all around me
Despite the malevolent influences surrounding me
I'm not afraid, He's there, I know
I remain steadfast in my belief that my protector is always present
The storms will come and rage around me
Challenges and difficulties will arise
I'm not alone, He is my shield
However, I am not alone, as my protector stands between me and harm
When I'm weary, alone and forsaken
During times of exhaustion and isolation
He lifts me up, He is so real
My faith in his existence and benevolence ensure that I am metaphorically lifted up and supported
Though I must lay in the fields not aware
Even in moments of unawareness and vulnerability
Where danger waits, I may go on
Where danger may present itself, I will have the courage to continue
My Master looks then until He finds me
My protector will diligently search for me
He'll kindly backed him to the fold
And ensure that I am returned to safety and prosperity
I know for sure He'll love and protect me
My faith in the love and protection my protector has for me remains steadfast
Oh, when I call He's there, so I swear
When I am in need and call out, he immediately appears, and I swear this is true
He'll draw us near for that final journey
And when it is time for the final journey, he will pull us closer with love and compassion
To that green pastures in the sky
Towards that ultimate place of peace and abundance
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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