World-class composer, pianist and arranger, Richard Smallwood has clearly and solidly changed the face of Gospel music. He can impeccably blend classical movements with Traditional Gospel, and arrive at a mix that is invariably Smallwood's alone. A diverse and innovative artist, Richard Smallwood has achieved many honors; Dove Awards, Stellar Awards and a Grammy also attest to his talents.
In The Shelter
Richard Smallwood Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There is a place where winds don't blow,
sorrow or pain it does not know,
love and protection surround my soul;
in the shelter of Your arms.
Verse 2:
Lord in Your arms there is much peace,
Because I love You, You rescued me,
in the shelter of Your arms.
Chorus:
In the shelter of Your arms,
there I'm free and safe from harm.
Comfort I find and peace of mind,
in the shelter, oh in the shelter,
in the shelter of Your arms
(safe in the shelter, safe in the shelter of Your arms).
Verese 3:
Hurt by the pain that life can bring,
steadfast unto Your word I cling.
Lord I find refuge beneath Your wing,
in the shelter of Your arms.
Bridge:
In the shelter, oh in the shelter.
Rock me Lord, oh in the shelter.
Hide me Lord, oh in the shelter.
Ending:
in the shelter of Your arms
(safe in the shelter, safe in the shelter of Your arms.)
The lyrics of "In The Shelter" seem to be about finding refuge and solace in the arms of God amidst the harshness of life. The first verse describes a place where there is no wind, sorrow or pain, but only love and protection surrounding the soul. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for being close to God who can shield us from life's struggles. In the second verse, the singer finds peace in the Lord's arms and relief from the storm because of his love for Him. The chorus reinforces this idea of being free and safe with comfort and peace of mind in the loving arms of God. The third verse acknowledges the pain that life can bring, but the singer clings steadfastly to the Lord's word and takes refuge beneath his wing, expressing the desire to be rocked and hidden by God.
Overall, the song seems to be a cry for comfort and safety amidst the struggles of life. The metaphors of the storm, refuge, and God's arms all point to the idea that the singer feels vulnerable and in need of protection. By expressing love and devotion to God, the singer finds the peace and safety he seeks.
Line by Line Meaning
There is a place where winds don't blow,
There is a peaceful place beneath the protection of God where no storms or chaos can harm me
sorrow or pain it does not know,
In this shelter, there is no sorrow or pain that can afflict me
love and protection surround my soul;
The love and protection of God encompasses me and my soul
in the shelter of Your arms
All of this is possible because I have taken refuge in God's arms
Lord in Your arms there is much peace,
Being in God's arms brings me much peace
and from the storm I find relief.
When faced with chaos and turmoil, being in God's arms brings me relief
Because I love You, You rescued me,
I am able to take refuge in God's arms because of my love for Him, and He has rescued me
In the shelter of Your arms,
The shelter I have found is within God's arms
there I'm free and safe from harm.
Within God's arms, I am free from danger and harm
Comfort I find and peace of mind,
Taking refuge in God's arms brings me comfort and peace
In the shelter, oh in the shelter,
The song continuously emphasizes the peaceful shelter within God's arms
Hurt by the pain that life can bring,
The pains of life can be hurtful, but I am able to withstand them by clinging steadfastly to God's word
steadfast unto Your word I cling.
I remain unshaken, holding tightly to God's promises
Lord I find refuge beneath Your wing,
God's protection gives me comfort and refuge in times of trouble
Rock me Lord, oh in the shelter.
Using a metaphor of a parent comforting a child, the song asks God to provide that same comfort and care
Hide me Lord, oh in the shelter.
The song continues to ask God for protection and refuge within His arms
in the shelter of Your arms
The song reminds us once again that this shelter is found within the loving embrace of God
(safe in the shelter, safe in the shelter of Your arms.)
The song affirms the safety and security that is found in God's embrace
Contributed by Allison I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.