The song “You Raise Me Up” was composed by Rolf Løvland and written by Brendan Graham. It was first recorded by Secret Garden in collaboration with Brian Kennedy.
While the original version didn’t become a big hit, the song has been recorded by over a hundred other artists. Some notable versions include Josh Groban in 2004 and Westlife in 2005.
This song explores the power of love in lifting up someone who’s going through tough times in life. It discusses how we can find comfort in the presence of someone, whether it’s God or our loving partner, and gather the strength to overcome our challenges.
In this article, we’ll dive into the song’s meaning and explore why it has touched the hearts of so many people.
“You Raise Me Up” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
When I am down, and oh my soul so weary
When troubles come, and my heart burdened be
Then I am still and wait here in the silence
Until you come and sit awhile with me
Verse 1 describes a person who is feeling low and weary. When they face troubles and their heart feels heavy, they find solace in waiting silently, hoping for someone’s presence. This someone is like a comforting presence that helps them feel better and brings them peace.
[Chorus]
You raise me up so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be
The chorus expresses the idea that someone lifts the singer to greater heights. It mentions standing on mountains and walking on stormy seas, symbolizing overcoming challenges.
Being on the shoulders of this person makes the singer feel strong and capable, enabling them to achieve more than they thought possible.
[Verse 2]
There is no life, no life without its hunger
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly
But when you come, and I am filled with wonder
Sometimes I think I glimpse eternity
Verse 2 highlights the universal human experience of longing and imperfection. It suggests that everyone experiences a hunger or desire in life.
Each person’s heart is described as beating imperfectly, signifying human flaws. However, when the person being sung to arrives, the singer is filled with wonder, and sometimes.
The singer feels like catching a glimpse of something eternal or transcendent, suggesting that the presence of this person brings profound joy and fulfillment.
Deeper Meaning Behind “You Raise Me Up”
“You Raise Me Up” explores the transformative power of love, demonstrating how the support of another person can greatly impact someone who is feeling down.
If we don’t consider it in a religious context, the song is all about someone going through tough times and feeling tired and low. However, having someone they love around makes them feel better and stronger. This meaning emphasizes that the support of our loved ones can lift us up and help us overcome difficult times.
In fact, I shared this song with my first girlfriend in high school while preparing for the public exam. I’m not particularly tough or intelligent, so I always felt the academic pressure. Without her support, I wouldn’t have been able to get into a reputable college and study what I love.
Of course, some people might also interpret the song from a spiritual perspective, seeing it as a testament to the power of divine love or faith. It suggests that when we face our lowest moments, we can turn to a higher power, seeking solace and guidance. The imagery of being raised up to stand on mountains and walk on stormy seas could symbolize the strength and courage provided by one’s faith in God.
Perhaps that’s why I always heard this song in church. One of my friends, who is a Christian, loves this song so much. She always listens to it when feeling down, and it works for her, probably because faith can truly uplift a person in hardship, enabling her to overcome life’s challenges and experience a sense of divine presence.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.