The Lord Is My Shepherd
Keith Green Lyrics


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The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restore'th my soul
And guides my path in righteousness
For His name's sake.

Surely goodness and loving kindness
Shall follow me all the days of my life.
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever and ever and ever.

Though I walk through the valley
Of the shadow of death
I will not fear, Thou art with me.
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.
Thou prepar'est a table
Before me in the presence of my enemies.

Thou anoint'est my head with oil
My cup's overflowing

Surely goodness and loving kindness
Shall follow me al the days of my life.




And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever and ever and ever.

Overall Meaning

Keith Green's song The Lord Is My Shepherd is a declaration of faith and trust in God. The opening line, "The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want" is a direct reference to Psalm 23 in the Bible, which starts with the exact same words. The song goes on to describe how God takes care of the singer, providing for him and guiding him through difficult times.


The reference to lying down in green pastures and being led beside still waters are both images of peace and rest. The lines "He restore'th my soul and guides my path in righteousness," speak to the idea that God not only provides for our physical needs but our spiritual needs as well. The singer is saying that he fully trusts in God to guide him down the right path.


The second half of the song speaks to the idea that even in the toughest times, God is there to comfort us. The line "I will not fear, thou art with me," is a direct reference to Psalm 23:4. The reference to the table being prepared before the singer in the presence of his enemies speaks to the idea that even when people are against us, God is there to provide for us.


Overall, this song is a reminder to put our faith and trust in God and to rely on Him in all circumstances.


Line by Line Meaning

The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want
I trust the Lord to provide for me and I will not be lacking anything


He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He gives me rest and takes me to a beautiful place of tranquility


He leads me beside the still waters.
He guides me towards peaceful waters where I can refresh myself


He restore'th my soul
He heals my spirit and rejuvenates my soul


And guides my path in righteousness
He leads me to make morally right choices in life


For His name's sake.
He does this because He is my Lord and wants His name to be glorified


Surely goodness and loving kindness
Without a doubt, I will receive blessings and be treated with love and kindness


Shall follow me all the days of my life.
For as long as I live, goodness and love will pursue and surround me


And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
I will always be in the presence of my Lord and worship Him


Forever and ever and ever.
This will be unending and eternal


Though I walk through the valley
Even if I go through a dark and dangerous place


Of the shadow of death
Even if I encounter death itself


I will not fear, Thou art with me.
I will not be afraid because my Lord is with me


Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.
His strength and guidance provide me with comfort


Thou prepar'est a table
You provide me with a feast full of abundance and celebration


Before me in the presence of my enemies.
Even in front of those who wish me harm, you bless me generously


Thou anoint'est my head with oil
You bless me with honor and abundance


My cup's overflowing
My blessings and abundance are abundant and overflowing




Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: DOROTHY MASTER MASTER GREEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@jaynefrain-montgomery1308

My older sister used to have to drive me around for errands when I was very young. She would play classic rock and then Keith green. During my life I have not been a huge fan of Christian music -though I love the message. Keith green and his tragic story has stuck with me throughout my whole life. On Valentine’s Day we said goodbye to my sister -the most Godly person I have ever met. I played Keith’s songs during the last 24 hours of her life. She fought so hard against the cancer. His music was one of the greatest gifts she has ever given me. Janice Ellen Martin. All of your giving and Godliness will never be forgotten

@robrobinson6218

Dear Jayne,

I am truly sorry for your great loss. May the Lord bless you richly with peace, joy, and may He comfort you.

@Tribe-O-Enoch

I learned this song in 1983 in Grade 7. Now I am 50 and it has touched me to the core.

@kevinp3672

I got saved in the 70s and listened to Keith Green often. He helped me with my walk in the early days. His impression on me was not his music. But his heart for others. He heard the call and went and made disciples . Glory to God!

@richardmcb

I sing this to my little girl every night when I put her to bed. She is just 7 and has Down Syndrome - she loves it and asks for it if I forget! Precious!

@classicalretroback

Healing is the children's bread . Lord touch & heal her from that D.syndrome in Jesus name. Amen.

@MrHizzodrizzo

Its a blessing to hear and I went through a similar situation caring for my mother with dimentia, she loved this song.

@cd4christ968

God bless

@andyperriccioli1212

Precious, Lord. Hold this precious child

@cd4christ968

Hope she is well

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