Draw Me Close To You

Jonathan Anderson • September 29, 2025

“Draw Me Close to You” is a modern worship song that speaks directly from the heart — a prayer to be near to God again. It’s not complicated or theological; it’s honest and vulnerable, expressing a deep longing to be in the presence of Jesus, where nothing else satisfies.

The Story Behind the Hymn

This song was written in 1994 by Kelly Carpenter, who penned the lyrics during a season when he felt spiritually dry and distant from God. He didn’t write it for an audience — it was simply a personal cry for closeness and healing.


The song eventually made its way to churches through worship leader Michael W. Smith, whose recording helped it become a worship favorite around the world. Its simplicity and emotional sincerity have made it a meaningful part of personal prayer times, worship services, and moments of spiritual renewal.


What Makes It Powerful

What makes this song powerful is its authentic longing. It’s not asking for blessings or answers — just for Jesus. It reflects the heart of someone who knows that nothing else will do, and that the presence of Christ is everything.


A fitting verse is James 4:8 (NIV):

Come near to God and he will come near to you.

This song lives out that verse — drawing near not because we’ve done everything right, but because we need Him more than anything.


My Violin Cover

When I arranged “Draw Me Close to You” for violin, I kept the tone gentle and intimate. I didn’t want to overplay — just let the melody speak like a quiet prayer. There’s something deeply personal about this song, and I tried to capture that with each note.


With Violin Hymns, I want each song to carry not just sound, but heart. This one is about coming back to the One who never left.



Listen and Reflect

The video is below. As you listen, let the words of the melody draw your own heart closer to Christ. Lay everything else aside for a moment. You’re all I want. You’re all I’ve ever needed.

Lyrics


Draw me close to you

Never let me go

I lay it all down again

To hear you say that I'm your friend

You are my desire

No one else will do

'Cause nothing else can take your place

To feel the warmth of your embrace

Help me find the way

Bring me back to you


You're all I want

You're all I've ever needed

You're all I want

Help me know you are near


Draw me close to you

Never let me go

I lay it all down again

To hear you say that I'm your friend

You are my desire

No one else will do

'Cause nothing else can take your place

To feel the warmth of your embrace

Help me find the way

Bring me back to you


You're all I want

You're all I've ever needed

You're all I want

Help me know you are near

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