You Know My Name

Rivers & Robots' “You Know My Name” is about being known fully by an all-powerful God. It begins with details of closeness, “You've numbered every hair on my head, and You know my every thought,” and “my name is on the palm of Your hand, and Your hands they hold the stars.” The contrast between the personal and the vast is the song's first idea.

The verses build on it. Though God is “infinite in wisdom, powerful and mighty,” and “seated in the heavens, King over creation,” the singer says, “Still You call me Your friend.” The chorus tells of answered prayer, “I have cried out and You have heard me,” repeating “You know my name.” The bridge speaks of rescue, “I was lost and then You came and found me,” and of a love that is “better than life,” with mercy that “never ends.” A father opens his arms and calls the singer back. The song ends with a short list, “You see me, You hear me, You know me, God,” followed by a line that his thoughts cannot be numbered.

Hairs being numbered is in Luke 12:7. A name written on the palm of his hand is Isaiah 49:16, and being called friends is John 15:15.