13TH ANNUAL WE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS: Live Ceremony Tuesday, April 6, 2025 - Franklin, TN - Get Tix Here
BEHIND THE SONG WITH KEVIN DAVIS
#1172 - "Loved by You" by Riley Clemmons
The artist talks about her song that embraces the eternal truth of God's unconditional love
 


BEHIND THE SONG WITH KEVIN DAVIS, #1172 -
Posted: July 12, 2023 | By: KevinMcNeese_NRT
NRT Editorial RSS Feed

Riley Clemmons, the talented 23-year-old singer-songwriter, has captured the hearts of listeners with her powerful vocals and uplifting lyrics. Her journey in the music industry has been marked by a remarkable self-discovery, leading her to create songs that resonate with the hearts of many. With her highly anticipated third studio album on the horizon, Riley's newest single, “Loved by You,” is a testament to her growth as an artist and her unyielding faith in God's unwavering love.
 
Riley’s past efforts exhibit her unyielding faith: her self-titled debut album Riley Clemmons, featuring the hit singles “Broken Prayers” and “Better For It,” and her album, Godsend, featuring her hit singles “Fighting For Me” and “Healing.”
 
In this interview, Riley opens up about the personal story behind "Loved by You," sharing how a season of creative burnout and mental health challenges prompted her to seek solace in God's presence—this quiet season of introspection and healing allowed her to rediscover the unchanging truth that her creator profoundly loves her.
 

Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
 
After walking through a season of intense creative burnout and navigating the challenges of an all-time low in my mental health, I took extended time away from music to get quiet with God and my faith. I ultimately began the journey of getting my brain and soul healthy again. “Loved by You” tells what I rediscovered and learned in that quiet season. The Lord reminded me that my identity and worth are rooted in the unchanging and evergreen truth that an awesome and faithful God loves me.
 
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?

Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV): "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

1 John 4:18-19 (NKJV): "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love because He first loved us."

John 10:10 (ESV): "The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

Lamentations 3:22-23 (VOICE): "How enduring is God's loyal love; the Eternal has inexhaustible compassion. Here they are, every morning, new! Your faithfulness, God, is as broad as the day."
 
Psalm 139:13-14 (NKJV): "For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well."

Psalm 139:17-18 (NKJV): "How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God. How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You."
 
Matthew 11:28 (NIV): “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV): “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV): "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT): "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago."
 
What is the takeaway message?
 
I’m genuinely and deeply thrilled to be back and rereleasing music. I hope people can remind themselves of the truth that God loves them as they hear this song and sing it over themselves. You are so loved. It's easy to forget, so being reminded is all the more important. This season of creating and writing has been life-changing and healing for me in more ways than I can explain. I began releasing music at a very young age and have undergone significant personal growth between 18 and 23. I’m ready and excited for listeners to hear this new side of my heart, artistry, and music, beginning now with "Loved by You." This chapter is going to be a special one.
 
Lyrics
 
Sometimes I feel
Like I’m alone
A bit too broken
Unseen, unknown
Sometimes the doubt
Starts creeping in
So come remind me
Once again
 
I am believed in
I am held onto
Don’t have to wonder
Who I belong to
I’m always wanted, always known
And always treasured, it’s true
I am loved by You
 
It’s in your blood
It’s in your scars
How far You’d go
To reach my heart
You call me chosen
You call me Yours
That’s all that matters
Forevermore
 
I don’t deserve it, I never could
But You’re just that faithful, You’re just that good
How lovely it is
To be loved by You
 
Closing Thoughts
 
Spread God's love wherever you go. It's always with you. He speaks to us in His still, small voice, and as Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still and know that He is God." 
 
Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to work in your life? Are you spending time listening to Him? God will make you free. He wants to hear from you. With everything going on in our world, we need the encouragement that God is with us, and we're not alone. There is no day or hour in which our Lord Jesus is absent.
 
"Loved by You" echoes the themes and teachings of 1 John 4:18-19. This passage explains that love and fear cannot coexist and that perfect love can overcome fear. Those who are afraid are not yet fully experiencing love. Additionally, the passage emphasizes how our love for God responds to His love for us.
 
There are several scripture passages about our identity in Christ. This song is in that same vein. Be captivated by knowing that God loves you. The song’s truth will sink deeper into your heart with each repeated listen. Its comforting message, rooted in the Bible, reminds us that God is love, and we love because He loved us first.
 
Whatever struggle or depression you face, know that God is always with you. If you embrace the lyrics and hold them close to your heart, you’ll be reminded of the eternal truth that Jesus has always been, is present today, and will always be the one to rely on. That's something to remember and rest upon. 
 
No matter the circumstances, God will always provide a path for His children. Despite the negativity and struggles we see in the world, we must turn to Him and have unwavering faith and hope in Him. God’s strength shines through when we are at our weakest. This song symbolizes our triumph over our battles, even before we know the outcome because we trust that God is leading the way and will ultimately prevail.
 
My daughters are 23, 19, and 16, and this song is perfect for them. It has been one of my missions to share the biblical truth behind songs by Christians to help women bombarded with negative messages regarding body image and identity to know that their true identity is found in the person of Jesus. 
 
We’re all made in the image and likeness of God. I’m my daughters' earthly father. They ultimately belong to our Heavenly Father, God. I want them to know their eternal destiny. These lyrics are encouraging: “It’s in Your blood/It’s in Your scars/How far You’d go/To reach my heart/You call me chosen/You call me Yours/That’s all that matters/Forevermore.”
 
We sometimes put up a wall between us and God. He wants us to come home to Him. Many of us feel that we’re not worthy of being near God and that He’s using a checklist to determine our worthiness. That’s not the Gospel. This song portrays the Good News of the Gospel: He accepts us no matter what we’ve done. 
 
Faith is when we are empty of ourselves and filled with Him and His Holy Spirit. This song is a moving offering of praise to Jesus. His love is never-ending, and He is our refuge and strength. If you’re looking for a firm foundation in your life, make these lyrics your prayer: “I don’t deserve it, I never could/But You’re just that faithful/You’re just that good/How lovely it is/To be loved by You.” Amen to that.

NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a long-time Christian music fan and an avid collector. He credits the message of Christian music for leading him to Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.

Christian Music, Devotionals, Interviews, Editorials
Top 10 Editorial
NEW! THE YEAR THAT WAS
Top 10 Editorial 2024

NRT Staff interviews, devotionals, and editorial that took off this year
 

ADVERTISEMENT
Top 10 News
NEW! THE YEAR THAT WAS
Top 10 News 2024

The top Christian music news headlines of the year
 
Top 10 Songs
NEW! THE YEAR THAT WAS
Top 10 Songs 2024

NRT's Kevin Davis shares his favorite songs from the past year
The Year That Was
NEW! THE YEAR THAT WAS
Top 10 Albums 2024

NRT's Kevin Davis shares his favorite albums from the past year
 
The Chosen
NEW! NRT EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Amanda Jenkins

The Chosen's Bible Series author talks to NRT

Christian Music, Facebook Christian Music, Twitter Christian Music, YouTube Christian Music, Instagram

ADVERTISEMENTS

13TH ANNUAL WE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS: Live Ceremony Tuesday, April 6, 2025 - Franklin, TN - Get Tix Here

Christian Music

©2025 NewReleaseToday
A Division Of NRT Media Inc.

 

Secure
CHRISTIAN MUSIC
Discover New Artists
New This Week
Coming Soon
Playlists
Free Music
Album Reviews

NEWS
New Music
Movies / Media
Events
Tours
General

PODCASTS
NRT Now Podcast
NRT Podcast Network

VIDEOS
Music Videos
Exclusives

EXCLUSIVES
Articles
Devotionals
Interviews
Concert Reviews
We Love Awards

MORE INFO
RSS
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
Advertising
Staff
New Music Email
Contact

RESOURCES
Music Studies
Artist Training

CONNECT
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube