As the deer
Hadley Hockensmith Lyrics


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As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after thee
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship thee

You alone are my strength, my shield
To you alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship thee

As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after thee
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship thee

You alone are my strength, my shield
To you alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship thee

You're my friend and you are my brother
Even though you are a king
I love you more than any other
So much more than anything

You alone are my strength, my shield
To you alone may my spirit yield




You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship thee

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Hadley Hockensmith's song "As the Deer" speaks of a longing and hunger for God's presence. The comparison to a deer panting for water shows the desperation and strong desire of the soul to connect with God. The verse proclaims that God is the only true desire of the heart that brings fulfillment and happiness. The chorus repeats the desire to worship God and surrender to Him as the source of strength and protection.


The song also acknowledges the personal relationship with God as a friend and even a brother, despite being a king. This speaks of the intimacy and closeness that can be experienced with God. The final chorus reiterates the longing to worship God as the only desire in life.


This song is a beautiful expression of the Christian's longing for God and the declaration of placing God as the center of one's life. It encourages believers to surrender their lives to God through worship and grow in intimacy with Him.


Line by Line Meaning

As the deer panteth for the water
Like a deer thirsts for water, my soul longs for you


So my soul longeth after thee
My soul desires to be near to you


You alone are my heart's desire
There is nothing else that I want more than you


And I long to worship thee
I have a deep yearning to worship and honor you


You alone are my strength, my shield
You are my source of strength and protection


To you alone may my spirit yield
I surrender my spirit to you alone


You're my friend and you are my brother
You are not just my king but also my friend and brother


Even though you are a king
Despite your high position, you have humbled yourself to be my friend


I love you more than any other
My love for you surpasses my love for anyone else


So much more than anything
You are the most important thing in my life




Writer(s): hadley hockensmith

Contributed by Jasmine K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Kenneth Schweighardt

This album was with me during some formative and trying times in my 20's. Call me a woos but I cannot help but tear up listening to it, remembering God's goodness and faithfulness to me up to this present day. Thank-you for getting the paperwork on my desk soaked with tears.

Casa Nueva - Música Intemporal

I love this record and my favourite is the last track, Deborah Lea. I've got a question. Is the main instrument on that song a synthesised guitar in the style of whaich Pat Metheny has, or is it a synthesiser? Thank you for posting this wonderful reacord!!!

Micah McConnaughey

I grew up to this music.

Andrea B

Me too. My dad played this music often in the house. Fond memories.

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