The God Who Stays

Album: Brand New (2019)
Play Video

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: 2

  • Linda R. Wood from Windsor Ontario CanadaThe video version of this beautiful song is disturbed for minds like mine who are always able to find the misspelled words.
    In it, all the instances of the word "separate" are misspelled with "seperate."
    Would be very helpful if this could be reissued with the word spelled right.
    Thanks.
  • 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!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & TearsSongwriter Interviews

The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.