Matthew Guion Maher (born November 10, 1974) is a singer/songwriter/worship… Read Full Bio ↴Matthew Guion Maher (born November 10, 1974) is a singer/songwriter/worship leader originally from Newfoundland, Canada, who later relocated to Mesa, Arizona. His contribution to contemporary praise and worship within the Catholic Church has been immeasurable and continues to flourish in the Christian world. Matt's music appeals to a new generation and yet maintains the depth and meaning that Christians need in their music, liturgy, and worship. Matt makes appearances at various youth conferences and events, including several World Youth Day (WYD) conferences. At WYD 2002 in Toronto he played his "Litany of the Saints" in the company of His Holiness John Paul II. He also performed at WYD 2008 in Sydney.

He has had several Christian radio hits such as "Your Grace is Enough", from his album "Empty & Beautiful," as well as the title track from his album "Alive Again". His songs "Love Has Come" and "Just Like You" were recorded by Kathy Troccoli for her album The Heart of Me and "Your Grace is Enough" was recorded by Chris Tomlin for his album Arriving.

While with Essential Records, he released Alive Again (2009), The Love in Between (2011), All the People Said Amen (2013) and Saint and Sinners (2015). His most recent single, "Because He Lives (Amen)" was inspired by Bill Gaither's hymn "Because He Lives".

Discography:

The End and the Beginning (2001) featuring Love Has Come, Just Like You, Lamb of God, and The End and the Beginning.
Welcome to Life (2003) featuring Welcome to Life, Your Grace is Enough, 40 Days, and I Love You Lord
Overflow (2006) featuring Resurrection Day, For Your Glory, Canticle of Zechariah, and Everything You've Done
Empty and Beautiful (2008) featuring Your Grace is Enough, Look Like a Fool, Lay it Down, and Empty and Beautiful
Alive Again (2009) featuring Alive Again, Letting Go, and Christ is Risen
The Love in Between (2011) featuring Turn Around, Heaven Help me, and On My Way
All the People Said Amen (2013) featuring All the People Said Amen, Lord I Need You, and Hold Us Together
Saints and Sinners (2015) featuring Because He Lives (Amen), Sons and Daughters and Deliverer

Leave a Light On
Matt Maher Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Where did you go?
Jesus, where did you go?
You flew into the clouds
We worship and we doubt
Now we're leaping for joy and singing

So where are you now?
Tell me where are you now

Headed in the skies
Behind the poor man's eyes
Awaited and asserted
Until you take us home
Until you return

I'll leave a light on for you, my Lord
I'll leave a light on for you, my Lord
Your Spirit inside, burning bright
I'll leave a light on

Here you are found
Jesus, here you are found
In the breaking of the bread
The waking of the dead
In our dying and our rising
Until you take us home
Until you return

I'll leave a light on for you, my Lord
I'll leave a light on for you, my Lord
Your Spirit inside, burning bright
I'll leave a light on

Give me oil in my lamp
Keep me burning 'till the break of day
Give me oil in my lamp
Keep it burning 'till the break of day

Give me oil in my lamp
Give me oil in my lamp
Keep me burning 'till the break of day

I'll leave a light on for you, my Lord
I'll leave a light on for you, my Lord
Your Spirit inside, burning bright
I'll leave a light on

I'll leave a light on for you, my Lord
I'll leave a light on for you, my Lord
Your Spirit inside, burning bright
I'll leave a light on

I'll leave a light on
(Shine on through the darkness)

I'll leave a light on
(Shine on, shine on)

Overall Meaning

This song, "Leave A Light On" by Matt Maher, is a prayer to Jesus. In the first verse, Maher wonders where Jesus is now, as he is no longer physically present on Earth. There is a tension between worship and doubt, as people have faith in Jesus but still experience confusion and uncertainty. Despite this, the chorus expresses a commitment to always leave a light on for Jesus, to keep his presence alive even when he is not physically present. The second verse suggests that Jesus is found in communal practices, such as the breaking of bread and the resurrection of the dead, and that these practices symbolize his continued presence among believers.

The song ends with the repetition of the chorus, as Maher affirms his commitment to always leave a light on for Jesus, to always maintain a connection with him even when times are difficult. The final lines of the song, "shine on through the darkness," reflect the hope that even when things seem bleak, Jesus's light will continue to shine.

Overall, "Leave A Light On" is a beautiful and heartfelt prayer, expressing both the challenges and the beauty of the Christian faith. By affirming his commitment to Jesus in the face of doubt and uncertainty, Maher inspires listeners to do the same.

Line by Line Meaning

Where did you go?
Asking Jesus where he is

Jesus, where did you go?
Addressing Jesus and asking where he went

You flew into the clouds
Remembering Jesus' ascension

We worship and we doubt
Acknowledging the uncertainty in faith

Now we're leaping for joy and singing
Celebrating the good news of Jesus' resurrection

So where are you now?
Asking Jesus where he is currently

Tell me where are you now
Asking again for Jesus' current location

Headed in the skies
Thinking about Jesus' ascension

Behind the poor man's eyes
Reflecting on the idea of seeing Jesus in others

Awaited and asserted
Believing in and relying on Jesus' promise to return

Until you take us home
Looking forward to being with Jesus in heaven