I first learned about As The Deer from my grandfather when I was a young child. It was one of my favorite hymns, with its two verses and alternate chorus. Except, I could not find the version that he sang! Its alternate chorus begins with “I was born just to worship you”, seemingly nowhere to be found on the internet. He was not singing the original version!

Written by Martin J. Nystrom and published by Maranatha Praise, As the Deer was a popular hymn during the late 20th century. Though not intended for recording, The Maranatha Singers released in 1995 an audio version of Nystrom’s hymn. It has since shown up in several compilation albums, covers, and hymnals. Insofar as I know, Nystrom did not receive any awards for this work.

Update: This song originally scored 9.5/10. My correspondence with commenter Nicholas Kleszczewski changed my mind, resulting in a re-evaluation.

Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site! Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review.

1. What message does the song communicate?

To put it succinctly, the core message of As The Deer is our desire as Christ followers is to worship God who is our strength and shield. While I would have liked to see an explicit reference to God or Jesus, its plethoric references to the Bible, mention of worship and King, capitalization, and Ye Olde English style writing all point to God as the object of affection.

However, the original intent of Psalm 42, the inspiration behind this song, is a lament offered to God, the Psalmist’s despair in full display. This song’s lyrics are somber in tone, contradicting the intent behind this Psalm in its opening lines.

Score: 7/10

2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?

All lines are Biblically accurate with the exception of its opening lines. Lyrics posted with permission*. Insofar as I am aware, this is the original version, which does not include verse 3 that begins “I want you more than gold or silver”.

[Verse 1]

As the deer panteth for the water

So my soul longeth after Thee

An equivalent paraphrase of Psalm 42:1. The psalmist’s imagery compares our thirst for God to that of a parched deer. As mentioned previously, the anguish described in this Psalm conflicts with the calm tone set forth throughout the rest of these lyrics ripping it out of context.

You alone are my heart’s desire

And I long to worship Thee

Though our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9), God changes our hearts and desires to worship Him (see 1 Samuel 10:9, Psalm 51:10, Ezekiel 11:19, Ezekiel 36:26, and 2 Corinthians 5:17).

[Chorus]

You alone are my strength, my shield

Borrowed from Psalm 28:7, God is our protection and the strength we have when ours is gone. Also see Genesis 15:1, Deuteronomy 33:29, 2 Samuel 22:3, Psalm 3:3, Psalm 5:11, Psalm 12:5, Psalm 18:2, Psalm 20:1, Proverbs 30:5, Psalm 33:20, Psalm 34:19, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 57:1, Psalm 59:1, Psalm 84:11, Psalm 89:18, Psalm 91:1-16, Psalm 115:9, Psalm 121:1-8, Psalm 140:4, Isaiah 41:10, 1 Corinthians 10:13, and 2 Thessalonians 3:3.

To You alone may my spirit yield

A prayer offered to God to change our heart and desire to conform to His. See commentary in Verse 1, lines 3 and 4.

You alone are my heart’s desire

And I long to worship Thee

Repeats Verse 1, lines 3 and 4.

[Verse 2]

You’re my friend

And You are my brother

Even though You are a King

Though it sounds blasphemous and irreverent to see God as a brother, it is Jesus Himself who considers us His followers as His brothers and sisters on the condition that we do the Father’s will (see Mark 3:34–35).

I love You more than any other

So much more than anything

A derivative of Verse 1, lines 3 and 4.

Score: 8/10

3. How would an outsider interpret the song?

While some might be tempted to interpret this as a love song to a woman, its references to worship and King severely decreases the plausibility of this view. Yes, a clear and explicit reference to God or Jesus would have helped unbelievers understand this as God worship; however, most will intuitively arrive at this conclusion.

Score: 9/10

4. What does this song glorify?

It shows reverence and worship to the King, the object of our affection; however, the error in contradiction veils His glory slightly.

Score: 9/10

Closing Comments

As The Deer is a great ditty; a mostly biblically sound hymn worth utilizing for worship. Though no clear references to God or Jesus exist, the allusions to worship and King provides ample evidence to describe our desire for the Almighty, bringing Him glory. Its biggest gaffe is taking Psalm 42 out of context, from an outcry to gentle praise.

Final Score: 8/10

Artist Info

Track: As The Deer (listen to the song) (buy the song)

Artist: Martin J. Nystrom

Album: N/A

Genre: Hymn

Release Year: 1984

Duration: 4:07

Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.

*Copyright © 1984 Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

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