Kathryn Scott, born in 1974[1] in Northern Ireland, is a Christian songwrit… Read Full Bio ↴Kathryn Scott, born in 1974[1] in Northern Ireland, is a Christian songwriter and worship leader, who has written songs such as 'Hungry' and 'At the foot of the cross' for the worshipping church. She released her first album, Satisfy, in 2003, and is currently working on a second project, which has been recorded, and due for release late this year.[2]

Brought up in Northern Ireland in a Christian environment, Kathryn discovered her talents for not only piano playing but also for singing. After getting married in 1996, Scott met and began to be mentored by Brian Doerksen, then Head of the Vineyard UK branch, and as a result, Kathryn's songs feature on many of the Vineyard albums, including Hungry, Surrender and Come, Now is the Time.

"Hungry" was released in 1999 by Vineyard Music Group, containing 14 songs; 2 of which Kathryn penned. Kathryn sings on 7 of the 14 songs, 2 of the 7 alongside another one of the other four worship leaders on the album.

"Satisfy" was released in 2003 by Vertical Records, containing 12 songs; 7 of which Kathryn penned.

Kathryn and her husband Alan serve as pastors of Causeway Coast Vineyard, a church that they planted in 1999 in Northern Ireland, and have two daughters together.

When I Survey
Kathryn Scott Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride

Forbid it Lord that I should boast
Save in the death of Christ my God
All the vain things that charm me most

I sacrifice them to His blood

See from His head His hands His feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did ere such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown

Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing so divine
Demands my soul
Demands my soul

Love demands my soul
My life my all

Overall Meaning

The song "When I Survey" is a hymn composed by a British hymnodist named Isaac Watts in the year 1707. The song describes the poet's meditations on the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. The first verse of the song talks about the cross itself and how it reveals the marvelous work of God through the salvation of humanity. Kathryn Scott's rendition of the song follows the original structure of the hymn with a few added instrumental arrangements that create a soft, almost melancholic atmosphere to the song. The lyrics in the second verse of the song focus on the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice by giving up all worldly things and pride for the sake of His love.

In the third verse, the song describes the physical attributes of Jesus' wounds, expressing the poet's awe at the suffering that Christ endured for humanity. The verse talks about the "thorny crown" that was placed on Jesus' head and how even His blood, which flowed down His body, signifies the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice for humanity. The final verse shows the ultimate commitment of the poet to Christ, saying that even if he owned the entire natural world, it would still pale in comparison to the love that Christ has shown. The last line of the song repeats the phrase, "Love demands my soul, my life, my all," signifying the poet's devotion to God and His redemptive power.

Line by Line Meaning

When I survey the wondrous cross
As I contemplate the incredible cross

On which the Prince of Glory died
Where the King of Kings breathed His last

My richest gain I count but loss
Any material possessions I possess are meaningless

And pour contempt on all my pride
I reject my own egoistic desires

Forbid it Lord that I should boast
God, please keep me from egotistically boasting

Save in the death of Christ my God
The only justifiable reason for boasting is in Jesus' death

All the vain things that charm me most
The meaningless things that draw me in the most

I sacrifice them to His blood
I am willing to give them up for the sake of His blood

See from His head His hands His feet
Behold the evidence of His suffering on the cross

Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Mixed emotions of love and sadness pour out

Did ere such love and sorrow meet
Has there ever been such a blend of love and grief?