In 2005, Cross Rhythms magazine described Townend as "one of the most significant songwriters in the whole international Christian music field". Christian website Crosswalk.com commented that, "The uniqueness of Townend’s writing lies partly in its lyrical content. There is both a theological depth and poetic expression that some say is rare in today’s worship writing".
Townend, son of a Church of England vicar in West Yorkshire, was the youngest of four children. He studied literature at the University of Essex[2]. Townend started learning to play the piano aged 7. At the age of 13, he made a Christian commitment, and began songwriting aged 22.
How Long
Stuart Townend Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We have prayed to You for rain
We have cried for Your compassion
To renew the land again
Now we're standing in Your presence
More hungry than before
Now we're on Your steps of mercy
How long before You drench the barren land?
How long before we see Your righteous hand?
How long before Your name is lifted high?
How long before the weeping turns to songs of joy?
Lord, we know Your heart is broken
By the evil that You see
And You've stayed Your hand of judgment
For You plan to set men free
But the land is still in darkness
And we've fled from what is right
We have failed the silent children
Who will have never see the light
How long before You drench the barren land?
How long before we see Your righteous hand?
How long before Your name is lifted high?
How long before the weeping turns to songs of joy?
How long, how long
Oh Lord, how long?
But I know a day is coming
When the deaf will hear His voice
When the blind will see their Savior
And the lame will leap for joy
When the widow finds a husband
Who will always love his bride
And the orphan finds a father
Who will never leave her side
How long before Your glory lights the skies?
How long before Your radiance lifts our eyes?
How long before Your fragrance fills the air?
How long before the earth resounds with songs?
How long before Your glory lights the skies?
How long before Your radiance lifts our eyes?
How long before Your fragrance fills the air?
How long before the earth resounds with songs of joy?
Oh, how long, oh Lord? Come soon, oh God
Come soon, oh Lord, we wait for You
We wait for You, come quickly, Lord, oh
Come soon, Lord
This song, penned by contemporary Christian songwriter Stuart Townend, expresses a deep yearning for God's presence and a longing for redemption and renewal. The song starts by acknowledging God's power and mercy in the midst of trying circumstances - specifically a drought that has left the land barren. The chorus asks how long it will be until God brings about His righteous hand and moves His people from weeping to rejoicing.
However, the song quickly moves to a more sobering tone, acknowledging the many ways in which people have failed to uphold God's ways and care for the vulnerable. The lyrics recognize that God's heart is broken by the evil we commit and the harm we cause, but also that He desires to set us free from it. The chorus repeats the cry for God's intervention and ends with a plea for His glory to fill the earth with music and light.
Overall, "How Long" is a moving song that speaks to the struggles of the past, the present sufferings, and the hope for a better future. The song is a reminder to Christians that they are not alone in experiencing hardship, but that through it all they can cling to the hope of God’s plans for being reunited with Him.
Line by Line Meaning
We have sung our songs of victory
We have celebrated and praised our successes and triumphs.
We have prayed to You for rain
We have pleaded with God for His provision and blessings.
We have cried for Your compassion
We have expressed our deep pain and need for God's mercy and grace.
To renew the land again
To bring life and vitality back to our environment and communities.
Now we're standing in Your presence
We are humbly and gratefully acknowledging our dependence on God.
More hungry than before
We are longing for deeper intimacy and fulfillment in our relationship with God.
Now we're on Your steps of mercy
We are seeking God's compassion and forgiveness for our shortcomings and failures.
And we're knocking at Your door
We are earnestly seeking God's guidance and provision for our lives.
How long before You drench the barren land?
When will God provide the necessary nourishment and growth to bring life back to our parched and barren surroundings?
How long before we see Your righteous hand?
When will we witness God's justice and goodness at work in our world?
How long before Your name is lifted high?
When will God be recognized and revered by all people?
How long before the weeping turns to songs of joy?
When will our sorrow and mourning be replaced by true happiness and contentment?
Lord, we know Your heart is broken
We acknowledge that God experiences pain and sadness over the state of our world.
By the evil that You see
Due to the wickedness and wrongdoing that occurs in the world.
And You've stayed Your hand of judgment
God has chosen to delay passing judgment on humanity.
For You plan to set men free
God desires to offer redemption and freedom to all people.
But the land is still in darkness
The world is still ruled by ignorance and sinfulness.
And we've fled from what is right
We have turned away from what is morally correct and just.
We have failed the silent children
We are responsible for failing to protect and care for those who are vulnerable and helpless.
Who will have never see the light
Those who suffer and perish without ever experiencing truth and love.
But I know a day is coming
Despite the current darkness, there is hope for a better future.
When the deaf will hear His voice
A time when people who have ignored God will finally recognize and respond to Him.
When the blind will see their Savior
A time when those who have been spiritually blind will gain a clear understanding of God's love and salvation.
And the lame will leap for joy
A time when all those who have been held back will experience great freedom and happiness.
When the widow finds a husband
A time when those who are alone and vulnerable will be cared for and loved.
Who will always love his bride
Those who receive love will be cherished and valued for who they are.
And the orphan finds a father
A time when those who are without family or support will be welcomed into God's loving care.
Who will never leave her side
God's love will be constant and unwavering, especially towards those who have been rejected or forgotten.
How long before Your glory lights the skies?
When will God's divine and radiant presence be made known throughout the world?
How long before Your radiance lifts our eyes?
When will God's goodness and beauty inspire and uplift us?
How long before Your fragrance fills the air?
When will God's love and grace permeate and transform all aspects of our lives?
How long before the earth resounds with songs?
When will creation itself be renewed and express joy and praise to God?
Oh, how long, oh Lord?
This is a plea for God to act and intervene in the world soon.
Come soon, oh God
The songwriter is calling out to God to come and restore the world to its intended purpose.
Come soon, oh Lord, we wait for You
People who are tired of waiting for change are inviting God to bring restoration and healing soon.
We wait for You, come quickly, Lord, oh
The songwriter continues to express a sense of hopefulness that God will answer their call for action and bring about positive change.
Come soon, Lord
Another call to God to come quickly and heal a broken world.
Contributed by Joseph P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Carol-Vaiphei
Why this kind of song is not popular? It speaks and exposed the truth.
@jenniferevans5682
What a wonderful song. I pray this for our world so broken, filled with hatred and darkness. How long O Lord.
@seanleeduncan
Beautiful. Hold on to Jesus brothers and sisters. Not long! !
@samuelbruku129
Classic as always, you never go wrong with Stuart Townsend's songs.
@Apriluser
A great prayer for 2020!
@TasmanianSon
A superb visual accompaniment to this excellent song. You have chosen very tasteful and appropriate still images throughout and your lyric subtitles are clear and bold. There is nothing to distract the viewer from reflecting on the words and music. Thankyou for a wonderful piece of work.
@sylwek130
Beautiful 🙏👌
@old65rocker
That is a superb song with very meaningful lyrics. Well put together video
@auntiemymy
Incredible..this is very well done.....love the song....
@alcockell
"How long"... I've been praying that for Britain especially after the unjust and unfair changes that hit today...