Contemporary artist Dan Bremnes’ newest album Into the Wild is a worthy follow-up to his upbeat, Wherever I Go, which features the hit title track, “Going Together,” and “Up Again.” The well-traveled singer delivers a collection that invites listeners to leave fear behind and allow God to guide them. Dan’s music has energy and infectious enthusiasm. His songs also have celebratory messages of faith. I can't help but worship along loudly in spirit and truth.
The combination of Dan’s stellar vocals, up-tempo melody, and Jason Mraz-like musical inflection brings home the solid gospel messages on his stellar album. Dan’s recent singles “Hold You Tight,” “No One Loves Me Like You Do,” “Wouldn’t Change a Thing,” and “Lover of My Soul” from his new release have caught my ear. I recently spoke to him about “Hold You Tight.”
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
I wrote this song for a few friends dealing with deep depression and anxiety. I wanted to speak to the lie that says, ‘It’s over. Give up.’ It’s usually at the point of wanting to give up that we’re on the edge of a breakthrough. This is for anyone who’s ‘in the middle of it.’ You are loved, you are amazing, and you are held. I walked out of the writing session and thought no one would like this song. I’m insecure that way.
I shared the song with contemporary artist Mike Donehey, former lead singer from Tenth Avenue North. He helped write and produce the album. I asked Mike what he thought of “Hold You Tight.” He said it was the album’s best song. I thanked him for that feedback. He helped me finish writing the song from God’s perspective. He’s done that well in my opinion.
When we finished the album and talked about radio singles, someone from my label asked about this song. I didn’t think it was a radio song.
What Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Zephaniah 3:17(VOICE): “The Eternal your God is standing right here among you, and He is the champion who will rescue you. He will joyfully celebrate over you; He will rest in His love for you; He will joyfully sing because of you like a new husband.”
Psalm 46:10(NKJV): "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Psalm 147:3(NKJV): "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
Psalm 28:7(NLT): "The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."
Psalm 16:11(NKJV): "You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
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.”
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."
Isaiah 41:10(NKJV): "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Hebrews 11:1(NLT): "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."
Philippians 4:6-7(NIV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
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."
What is the takeaway message?
People have connected with “Hold You Tight.” And I’m so glad that they have. Mike and I talked about the verse in Psalms that says, “God is close to the brokenhearted.” That was big for me because generally when I’m going through something, I feel alone.
God is the closest to us when we’re at our lowest moments—feeling alone, abandoned, and lost. We may not feel it but it’s true. My prayer and hope for this song are that people know God is close to the broken-hearted. Not only was I feeling that way, but a lot of people I knew did as well. One of my friends was thinking of taking their life. This song addresses that strange juxtaposition of feeling the worst you ever have and knowing God is the closest to us at the same time.
Usually, we realize it when we look back over time. I now understand and get that looking back, but the song is meant to meet people when they don’t have the strength. We want to catch people and have God’s voice be what they hear in those hard moments. I’m grateful that God is using this song for His glory. Lyrics
You walk, you run You climb, and you fall again You crawl, you fight You break apart tonight But I am the voice That keeps on calling out to you Lighting up the dark I turn chaos into art
So, if you're falling under Or if you're letting go
Don't you worry tonight? I will hold you Don't you worry, my child I'll stay by your side In the middle of it In the middle of it I will hold you, hold you Hold you tight
You hope, you dream You chase, you bleed A story in these scars Are never gone And you're lost and found I'm here and now And underneath these stars I see just who you are
Don't you worry tonight I will hold you Don't you worry, my child I'll stay by your side In the middle of it In the middle of it I will hold you, hold you Hold you tight
You don't have to worry You don't have to hide I know you're weary Weary from the fight You don't have to fear now I'm here by your side And I'm gonna wait here Wait with you tonight
Don't you worry tonight? I will hold you Don't you worry, my child I'll stay by your side In the middle of it In the middle of it I will hold you, hold you Hold you tight (Don't have to worry) Don't you worry tonight I will hold you (Don't have to fight) Don't you worry, my child I'll stay by your side In the middle of it In the middle of it I will hold you, hold you Hold you tight
(Hold you, hold you) Hold you tight (Hold you, hold you) Hold you tight
Closing Thoughts
Dan hopes his new song is a balm to those fighting fear and anxiety. On the darkest night, “Hold You Tight” shines like a beacon of light, carrying the promise that the creator of the universe loves His children with the heart of a Father. I love how prayers and songs of praise are a communal experience that we can all share. The Lord wants us to long for heaven.
When we've been indwelled by the Holy Spirit, we have a personal relationship with the comforter and a peace that surpasses understanding. An understanding to know that this fallen world isn't all that we are living for.
We’re His sons and daughters, you’re his child. So, take God's love with you everywhere you go and know that His love goes with you. Spend time reflecting on and singing this song to God. It will give you comfort. He’s speaking to you in His still small voice. So, as Psalm 46:10 says, take time to "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 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, no hour of the day, in which our Lord Jesus is not present.
Are we spending too much time thinking about our circumstances? What can we do to improve our circumstances or are we connecting with God's heart for us. Matthew 6:34 says, "Do not worry about tomorrow. Let tomorrow worry about itself. Living faithfully is a large enough task for today."
I've read that God tells us 365 times in His Word "do not fear" or "do not worry." This is enough for a daily reminder to not spend time catching up on ourselves but allow ourselves to be satisfied with a fresh filling of God and His Holy Spirit every day.
I’m wrecked by songs that are sung over us by God, our "Abba Father," and based on the biblical truth: "Be still and know that I Am God.” Psalm 46:10 is such an encouraging reminder of God's sovereignty and that He has been, is, and always will be with us.
If God is with us, we can endure anything. This song allows God to whisper to us that our identity is found in whom He is as our father and whom we are as His children, loved by Him.
"Hold You Tight" is a beautiful way to express devotion. The key is to walk by faith and to be guided in our daily walk by prayer and God's infallible Word, the Bible.
I'm engaged by the emotional vocals and the deep, prayerful lyrics. “Hold You Tight” is especially moving as the song is sung from God’s perspective over us as in Zephaniah 3:17. Allow these words to wash over you: “You don't have to worry/You don't have to hide/I know you're weary/Weary from the fight/You don't have to fear now/I'm here by your side/And I'm gonna wait here/Wait with you tonight.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a longtime fan of Christian music, and an avid music 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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