Riley Clemmons, a 23-year-old rising star in contemporary Christian music, is known for her powerful vocals and emotionally resonant lyrics as a singer-songwriter. Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Clemmons made a profound impact with her self-titled debut album in 2018. The album included hit tracks like "Broken Prayers" and “Better For It,” one of my Top 10 Albums of the Decade.”
Her music blends pop and worship elements, creating a unique sound and a dedicated fan base. Her authenticity and sincere connection with her audience make her a captivating artist, and her journey from young talent to emerging star still fascinates listeners worldwide.
Her songs are loaded with positive, grace-filled messages of hope, addressing life’s pressures. Riley understands that true happiness and identity only come from her relationship with God, including her catchy new single, “Jesus Cries,” from her third studio album, Church Pew. I had the chance to speak with Riley about her moving new song, “Jesus Cries.”
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
“Jesus Cries” is inspired by Luke 11:35, the shortest verse in the Bible, which says, “Jesus wept.” Did you know that Jesus cries? The story is found in John 11. Jesus’ good friend, Lazarus, became sick and died. His two sisters, Mary and Martha, met Jesus when he arrived in town four days after their brother’s death and burial. Jesus heard their cries and saw their brokenness. He knew that He would be raising Lazarus from death very shortly. He knew His own power and that death had no hold on the Son of God.
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. Knowing Jesus cries lets me know that He feels what we feel. That’s comforting.
It feels as though my entire life has been leading up to the creation of this record. This album was born from the lowest and most challenging point in my life thus far. Creating this song and this album allowed me to rediscover what truly inspires and resonates with me as a songwriter and a 23-year-old woman who loves Jesus. I’m overjoyed and excited to share this collection of songs and stories.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Romans 12:15: "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep."
Isaiah 53:3 (NKJV): “He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.”
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."
Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV): “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
Philippians 4:7 (NKJV): “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
What is the takeaway message?
Even in our darkest moments, when we are hurting and don’t understand, God is still working. We must have patience and wait for His timing, His perfect plan. In the meantime, Jesus cries with us. I hope listeners can find their stories of faith, joy, and healing intertwined within these lyrics and melodies.
Lyrics
It’s no secret that life Gets a little heavy sometimes Like it’s too much for one heart to take Your smile’s wearing thin Just tryin’ to hold it all in But it feels like the dam’s gonna break
You are not alone facing that flood behind your eyes Heaven already knows every tear that you cry
Let ‘em fall like the rain Let ‘em roll down your face Let ‘em run like a river That carries your pain To the Savior with scars Right there holding your heart When you weep, He’s there weeping with you Jesus cries, too
There’s no answer sometimes For the hurt that’s inside When the healing feels so far away But in the ache of your soul There’s a love that comes close And catches your tears when they’re all you can pray
At the edge of the grave In the valley of pain When the sadness won’t shake It’s true
When the suffering is long When you can’t see the dawn He feels all the sorrow with you Jesus cries, too
He’s never been closer It’s true Jesus cries, too
Closing Thoughts
God wants us to believe in our freedom through Jesus' sacrifice. We're liberated from our fears, addictions, insecurities, and perfectionism in Him.
“Jesus Cries” reflects the thematic and biblical proclamation found in the shortest verse of the Bible, “Jesus wept.” Be captivated by knowing that God loves you. Upon each listen the biblical messages of this song become more deeply ingrained as Jesus weeps with the mournful and rejoices with the joyful.
Whatever struggle or depression you face, know that God is always with you. I can perfectly relate to every word Riley beautifully sings in this song. Once you embrace the lyrics of this song and allow them to resonate within your heart, you will be reminded of the unwavering truth that Jesus has always been, is present today, and will always remain the one who paves the way for us, even during seemingly impossible situations. That's something to remember and rest upon.
There is great comfort in knowing Jesus and being known by Him in every detail of our lives. As followers of Jesus, we know we can trust God's Word. We're all a work in progress. Have faith and let God work all things together for your good. Spend time with God and let Him redeem and restore you. We're not at the end of our story. God's still writing our stories of redemption.
God wants us to know that He's faithful to complete what He's started in all of us who've put their hope and trust in Jesus for salvation. This song challenges me to want to know God more deeply and have more faith and security in my relationship with Him.
Sometimes, we want to be there for people in the easy stuff, not the hard stuff. That's not what we're called to as believers. We are called to support each other in all circumstances, even during difficult times, and build a sense of community. It’s only sometimes something we want to do, but that's our calling.
This song is about crying out for God's presence and desiring to know Him personally. Let's strive to know God, and He will come to you. You have the privilege of knowing Him. He lives in you and has made you His home. These lyrics are encouraging: “There’s no answer sometimes/For the hurt that’s inside/When the healing feels so far away/But in the ache of your soul/There’s a love that comes close and catches your tears when they’re all you can pray.”
We sometimes put up a wall between us and God, and He wants us to come home to Him. This song is a moving offering of praise to Jesus. His love is never-ending, and He is our refuge and our strength. If you are looking for a firm foundation in your life, make these lyrics your prayer: “When the suffering is long/When you can’t see the dawn/He feels all the sorrow with you/Jesus cries too/He’s never been closer/It’s true/Jesus cries too.” 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.
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