Meaning of "Lead, Kindly Light" by Audrey Assad

The lyrics of "Lead, Kindly Light" convey a deep sense of longing for guidance and reassurance in the midst of darkness and uncertainty. The singer finds herself in a state of being far from home, both literally and spiritually, and seeks a guiding light to show her the way. The grey and gloom represent the challenges and hardships she faces in her journey, where the night seems long and overwhelming.

However, she humbly admits that she does not ask to see the entire path ahead, recognizing that one step at a time is enough for her. This displays a surrendering of control and a trust in the guidance she seeks. The repetition of "lead on, lead on, kindly light" emphasizes her plea for continuous guidance and a reminder that it is through following this light that she will find her way home.

The second stanza takes a reflective tone as the singer acknowledges her past resistance to being led. She acknowledges that she could have chosen to stay, but her pride and fear pushed her to run instead. This admission reveals a sense of regret, implying that her initial resistance may have caused unnecessary detours and delays in her journey towards God. Despite having the ability to physically see, she confesses that her heart was blind, indicating a lack of spiritual discernment.

The bridge of the song brings a shift in perspective, where the singer finds comfort and courage in the presence of God during moments of fear. She declares that God's feet were beside her own on the way, offering companionship and support. The mention of "other men have trod" indicates that she is not alone in her struggles and that the road she is on is one that has been traveled by others before her. Each stumbling step she takes in their footsteps brings her closer to her ultimate destination, shortening the road leading home to God.

In essence, "Lead, Kindly Light" encourages listeners to trust in a higher power to guide them through challenging times. It highlights the importance of surrendering one's own desires and pride, acknowledging the limitations of individual perception, and instead relying on divine guidance. The lyrics offer a message of hope and reassurance that even in the darkest of moments, God's light will lead the way towards finding a sense of belonging and ultimate spiritual fulfillment.