The God Who Stays

Album: Brand New (2019)
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Songfacts®:

  • This song started out with Matthew West having a late night conversation with God as he played the piano.

    You're the God who stays
    You're the one who runs in my direction
    When the whole world walks away


    West recalled to NewReleaseToday that as he quietly tinkled the ivories while his family was asleep in nearby rooms, God whispered a reminder to him that He'll never leave the singer. Inspired, West wrote the first verse and pre-chorus on the subject of the Lord always being with him. He then finished the song with songwriter and producer Jonathan Smith, before producer AJ Pruis "joined in on the home stretch."
  • Matthew West sings "The God Who Stays" in first person, as he wrote the song for himself. He explained to Billboard that he's forever beating himself up for falling short of perfect and he asks God, "Why aren't you done with me? How come you still use me in spite of me and how come you still love me?"

    West added: "It's awesome to be reminded that even if it feels like nobody else is in our corner, He's the God who stays."
  • West is frequently in dialogue with fans over their stories, which he uses for song ideas. One person asked him during an online Q&A: "Is God done with me?"

    West felt this question summed up one of the main stories that fans share with him. He explained to Apple Music:

    "'The God Who Stays' is a song that speaks to anybody who's at a place in their story where they're wondering the same thing. Because I've wondered that myself. I just needed that reminder."

Comments: 1

  • J Pease from Pennsylvania I've been hearing this song for about 2 months and singing along with the radio. I never get through it without crying because of the truth of those lyrics. It's a beautiful reflection of the heart of God toward each of us! He's the good Father who loves us no matter what we've done or even what we do today! Loving him in worship is our proper response. Thank you Matt, Jon, and AJ!
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