As The Deer

Steffany Gretzinger's recording keeps Martin Nystrom's 1984 chorus nearly unaltered, opening with Psalm 42:1 quoted directly: "as the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee." The psalm's own image of physical thirst becomes the song's entire vocabulary for spiritual desire.

"You alone are my strength, my shield, to You alone may my spirit yield" echoes Psalm 73:26's confession, "whom do I have in heaven? There is no one on earth whom I desire besides you... God is the strength of my heart." "You're my friend and You are my brother, even though You are a King" holds together intimacy and authority rather than choosing one, the chorus's repeated "I am longing" closing the song on want rather than resolution.