As of 2006, she has released nineteen albums. Thirty-two of her singles have reached the Number 1 position on Christian radio national airplay charts. These include "He Is Exalted", "God Is In Control", "We Bow Down" and "The Warrior Is A Child". She has received five GMA Dove Awards, and three American Songwriter Awards.
Some of Paris' songs have been included in the hymnals by a variety of churches including the United Methodist church and various Charismatic churches. In recent years, Paris has focused on recording new versions of some of her worship standards and writing new praise and worship music in contrast to contemporary Christian pop songs that she released the latter 1990s.
Her uncle, Loren Cunningham is the founder of Youth With A Mission, while her family started Ecclesia College in Elm Springs, Arkansas, where her brother Oren Paris III is president and father Oren Paris II is chancellor. Paris herself studied theology and sacred music, though she has claimed to have placed little emphasis in her formal studies on composition or songwriting. Beyond songwriting, she is the author of four books, three of which focus on contemporary Christian theology.
She and her husband Jack Wright have one child, Jack Paris Wright, born April 29, 2001.
Although widely associated for much of her career with Star Song Records, EMI switched her over to the Sparrow label in 1996, before her contract ended after 2003. In 2005, she switched to Michael Coleman's INO label.
Hold Me Close
Twila Paris Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I am weak on my own, blind all alone,
I know it's true
You lead me in Your way, give me this day,
I need you, My only shephard
(chorus)
Hold Me close, Hold me near
Hear your voice , strong and true
Hold me close to You
You save me from myself
Without your help, what would I do
Fill me up with your grace
Show me your face
I need you, My only Savior
Never let me go, dear Father
Never let me go
I will stay You forever,
Never let me go
(chorus)
In Twila Paris's song, "Hold Me Close", the lyrics reflect a sense of vulnerability and dependency on a higher power. The singer acknowledges their weaknesses and blindness, noting that they cannot do it all alone. They desperately need the guidance and leadership of the "only shepherd" who will lead them in the right way. This could be interpreted as a plea to God or a powerful force larger than oneself. The chorus echoes this sentiment of needing to be held close and near to this force. The singer longs to hear the "strong and true" voice that will guide them towards the right path.
The second verse highlights the idea of needing to be saved from oneself. Without the help of this higher power or force, the singer would be lost and unsure of what to do. They ask to be filled up with grace and for the higher power to show them their face. The use of the term "Savior" emphasizes the need for someone to rescue them from their own shortcomings.
The final refrain of "Never let me go" is a powerful repetition that emphasizes a sense of desperation and neediness. The singer wants to stay with the higher power forever, never wanting to let go. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the idea that the singer needs to be held close and hear this force's strong and true voice to guide them.
Line by Line Meaning
Hold Me Close
God, please hold me close and never let me go.
I am weak on my own, blind all alone,
I am powerless and lost without You, God.
I know it's true
I acknowledge Your sovereignty and greatness over my life.
You lead me in Your way, give me this day,
Please show me the path You have set for me, and guide me along each step of the way.
I need you, My only shephard
I depend on You, the only one who can lead me in the right direction.
Hold Me close, Hold me near
Please be close to me, and surround me with your presence and blessings.
When you speak, I will hear
I am actively listening to Your wisdom, direction and desires for my life.
Hear your voice, strong and true
Your voice is clear and authoritative above all else.
Hold me close to You
Please keep me close to You, and embrace me with Your love, comfort, and protection.
You save me from myself
You rescue me from my own weaknesses, temptations, and destructive habits.
Without your help, what would I do
Without You, my life would be incomplete, confused and lost.
Fill me up with your grace
Please help me to be filled with Your grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness.
Show me your face
Please reveal Yourself to me, and help me to know You and love You more every day.
I need you, My only Savior
You are my only source of salvation, redemption, and hope in this life and beyond.
Never let me go, dear Father
Please never abandon me, even when I stray from Your path or face life's challenges and trials.
I will stay You forever,
I will remain faithful and committed to You for eternity.
Contributed by Aria K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.