Psalm 42

Tori Kelly's 'Psalm 42' is a deeply spiritual song that expresses a yearning for a connection with the divine. The lyrics draw a parallel between the physical need for water and the spiritual need for God's presence. The song begins by describing a place of peace and solace found in solitude with God, suggesting a personal and intimate relationship with the divine. The imagery of a 'hiding place' and the Spirit being a constant presence in times of confusion underscores the idea of God as a refuge and a source of guidance.

The chorus, which references the biblical Psalm 42:1 ('As the deer pants for the water'), emphasizes the natural, instinctual desire for God, likening the soul's thirst for spiritual fulfillment to a deer's need for water. This metaphor highlights the essential nature of this spiritual connection, portraying it as vital to the singer's existence. The repetition of 'I need You, Lord' throughout the song serves to reinforce the depth of this need and the singer's dependence on God's presence.

The song also touches on themes of alienation and longing, with the singer acknowledging that they feel like a 'stranger' in this world, which is 'not my home.' This suggests a sense of displacement and a desire for a more profound, eternal belonging. The request for Jesus to 'fill us up again' with His presence and for the 'living Word' to revive 'dry bones' speaks to a desire for spiritual rejuvenation and the transformative power of divine love. The song ends with a prayer for God's love to 'quench our hearts' and fill the space with 'Heaven like a flood,' indicating a wish for an overwhelming and all-encompassing spiritual experience.