Singer/songwriter Melanie Penn writes pop songs at the crossroads of faith and culture. The Washington, D.C., native, raised in Falls Church, Virginia, considered herself “a bit of a lost soul” growing up. She moved to New York City in 2000 to pursue a career in music theater—and then 9/11 happened.
From her apartment in East Village, she saw the twin towers collapse into rubble. The profound event affected her life. She went to church and became a worship leader at Pastor Tim Keller’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church. Melanie’s attention turned to songwriting and becoming a solo artist. She started her solo journey by collaborating with Nashville-based producer Ben Shive in 2008.
Since then, Melanie has released six albums, including her release More Alive Vol. 1 (it was one of my top 5 albums of 2020) and her latest album, More Alive Vol. 2. Her 2022 project showcases Melanie's gifts as a songwriter and her shimmering, emotion-laden voice. It features the singles, “The Story,” “Look Up,” “How to Sing,” and “The Melody.”
The musical vibe of those songs sets the tone for this exceptional, must-listen album. It features her unique brand of gourmet lyrical phrasing embedded with the truth of the Gospel for those "with ears to hear." More Alive Vol. 2 is loaded with positive grace-filled messages of hope. Her songs address the pressures of life, and she understands that true happiness and her identity only come from her relationship with God.
I spoke with Melanie about one of my top songs of the year, “Follow You.” For the song, Melanie uses ancient images, such as Shekinah Glory, from the Old Testament—Exodus 13:21-22—to illustrate its message.Christianity.com describes Shekinah Glory as “a visible manifestation of God on earth, whose presence is portrayed through natural occurrence.” His divine presence—the Holy Spirit—is depicted in the Old Testament as a pillar of smoke and fire—The Pillar of Fire—as a cloud—the Cloud by Day, and as a fire and burning bush. He used these methods to reach his people in physical form.
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
Since you’re as nerdy as I am about Bible stories and how we can apply them to songs, I’m sure you can appreciate the story behind this song. Shekinah Glory appears in the Bible as the manifest glory of God. The Pillar of Fire and the Cloud by Day are ways that the Shekinah Glory is seen in the Old Testament. Once the Holy Spirit comes, the manifestation of God is within man.
If that’s the case, the Pillar of Fire and Cloud by Day are found in the God-inspired words that people say from the Holy Spirit, and within the Church and community of believers (this is an important reminder to take our words seriously).
“Follow You” is a ballad about God’s glory, and how it’s still present in us. The song is about following God into the unknown. This is a time when so many people are trying to figure out what to do next and wondering where life is leading them. Hopefully, “Follow You” provides some reassurance that someone is leading the way. God’s glory is leading us, as He’s promised to be our light in the wilderness.
What Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Matthew 11:28-30(MSG): "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Isaiah 6:8 (VOICE): Then I heard the Lord's voice. Eternal One: Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us? Isaiah: Here I am! Send me.
Hebrews 13:8 (NIV): Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Psalm 121(NKJV): "I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore."
Psalm 23:4(VOICE): “Even in the unending shadows of death's darkness, I am not overcome by fear. Because You are with me in those dark moments, near with Your protection and guidance, I am comforted.”
Proverbs 3:5-6(NKJV): "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Psalm 37:4-5(NIV): “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this.”
Psalm 33:20-22(MSG): “We’re depending on God; He’s everything we need. What’s more, our hearts brim with joy since we’ve taken for our own His holy name. Love us, God, with all you’ve got—that’s what we’re depending on.”
What is the takeaway message?
I don’t have many songs like “Follow You.” It’s a prayer that ministers to me. It applies to anyone, anytime. A song that’s relevant to this era where people feel so lost. Like Old Testament times, God’s still leading His people through the wilderness with a Pillar of Fire and a Cloud By Day.
This is a season of wilderness for so many, so I wanted to use those ancient images of God’s guidance in this song. I hope it helps people feel brave in the face of all the bad news they’re hearing about the economy. God never worries about the economy.
The song’s music video illustrates the song’s meaning (it was months in the making). From the start, we knew we wanted to capture a journey through the wilderness—something we can relate to from the last two years. May this video bring you a painting in motion for “Follow You,” and bring you comfort as you follow where God leads you.
Lyrics
Got no wisdom To get me through No previous experience
To refer back to No instruments To recalibrate So, I guess I’ll fly blind Into this unknown place
Like a pillar of fire That lights my way Your love leads like a cloud by day It’s Your voice I’m listening to If You say go, I will follow You I’ll follow You
Now about guidance I’ve noticed over time It comes when I’m silent Or sometimes after I decide Is missing information The gift of an open door Is it an invitation To trust You more
Like a pillar of fire That lights my way Your love leads like a cloud by day It’s Your voice I’m listening to If You say go, I will follow You I’ll follow You
Now territories make me wanna lie down and stay still But moving forward is required it seems and so I will Oh, and I will never forget You’ve always led in the wilderness I will follow You
Like a pillar of fire That lights my way Your love leads like a cloud by day It’s Your voice I’m listening to If You say go I will follow You I’ll follow You
Closing Thoughts
Melanie’s songs and her dependence on God provide her joy in any circumstance. They have poetic biblical descriptions of God and our identity in Him. So many people, like Melanie herself, can relate to the messages in her songs. Comforting messages of hope. Sincere worship to His glory. Meditate on this song’s message. Breathe it in like oxygen.
We all deal with fear, worry, and anxiety. God knows that about us. In His Word, He tells us to not be afraid or worry 365 times—enough for one time each day. I have been attentive to that concept in my daily Bible study. I have found that by being washed by the water of His Word, I’m strengthened with the truth that God wants me to know that fear, worry, and anxiety are not His plan for my life. This song helps me to be unafraid of things I can’t control.
The challenges we face in this fallen world are God's way of making our faith grow stronger in Him alone. We what to control outcomes, making life go our way. Do you want to be in control? Or do you want God to reveal His plans for you by waiting on Him? Are you waiting for yourself to work things out, or are you waiting for God to reveal Himself?
After I finished studying the Book of Isaiah, and my life verse Isaiah 6:8, I became moved by the idea of God asking me, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” I'm praying that I dare to say, “Here I am, Lord, send me” when God calls me. This song is a great prayer and answer to that call. What is one area of your life that you feel God may be calling you to exercise faith—even though you doubt your strength? This song includes the convicting prayer, “It’s Your voice I’m listening to/If You say go/I will follow You/I’ll follow You.”
God tells us in the Bible that we can do anything in Christ with faith. Let this song help you set your mind on Christ. Let the distractions of the day melt away and, instead, focus on worshiping God. Submit yourself to Him, asking to receive His Holy Spirit.
“Follow You” describes how we deal with the emotions of our hearts that can become an open door from God. He loves you so much. So lean on Him and He'll give you strength. If you’re a follower of Jesus, you can know for certain that God is with you, and He’ll never leave or forsake you. He’s a God of infinite second chances. Sing along: “Like a pillar of fire/That lights my way/Your love leads like a cloud by day/It’s Your voice I’m listening to/If You say 'go' I will follow You/I’ll follow You.” 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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