John Ylvisaker never planned to write one of America’s most beloved church songs. Born in Minnesota in 1937, the unassuming Lutheran composer created “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry” in 1985 almost by accident.
The hymn came to him while working on a baptism video project.
What makes Ylvisaker remarkable? Despite writing over 1,000 songs used in churches worldwide, he remained refreshingly humble. He once joked that his most famous hymn “took about twenty minutes to write” yet it continues touching hearts decades later.
Ylvisaker passed away in 2017, leaving behind music that speaks plainly to everyday spiritual experiences.
About the Song “Borning Cry”
This beloved Christian hymn, written by John Ylvisaker in 1985, offers a unique perspective, with God speaking directly to an individual throughout their life journey. From birth to old age, the song reassures listeners of divine presence at every stage.
What makes this hymn special is its intimate first-person voice. Rather than describing God, it presents God’s own words of comfort and constancy. This personal approach has made it popular for baptisms, weddings, and funerals.
With its simple, flowing melody designed for congregational singing, the song continues touching hearts across denominations decades after its creation.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 1985 |
| Writer & Producer | John Ylvisaker |
| Album | Borning Cry |
| Genre | Contemporary Christian Hymn |
| Length | 3:05 |
I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry Lyrics
CHORUS
I was there to hear your borning cry,
I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,
to see your life unfold.
VERSE 1
I was there when you were but a child,
with a faith to suit you well;
In a blaze of light you wandered off
to find where demons dwell.
VERSE 2
When you heard the wonder of the Word
I was there to cheer you on;
You were raised to praise the living Lord,
to whom you now belong.
VERSE 3
If you find someone to share your time
and you join your hearts as one,
I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme
from dusk ’till rising sun.
VERSE 4
In the middle ages of your life,
not too old, no longer young,
I’ll be there to guide you through the night,
Complete what I’ve begun.
VERSE 5
When the evening gently closes in,
and you shut your weary eyes,
I’ll be there as I have always been
with just one more surprise.
CHORUS
I was there to hear your borning cry,
I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,
to see your life unfold.
Theme of the Song
“I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry” explores several profound themes through its gentle melody and thoughtful lyrics:
- Divine presence – The song portrays God as a constant companion throughout every stage of human life, from birth (“borning cry”) through childhood, adulthood, and into old age.
- Unconditional love – The lyrics emphasize a love that remains steadfast regardless of life’s circumstances, highlighting the comforting idea that divine care is never withdrawn.
- Life journey – By following the arc of a complete life, the song creates a narrative of continuity and purpose amid life’s changes and challenges.
- Spiritual intimacy – Written from God’s perspective directly addressing the individual, the song creates a deeply personal connection that resonates with listeners seeking comfort in faith.
Through these themes, Ylvisaker crafted a hymn that speaks to universal human experiences of seeking meaning, belonging, and assurance that we are not alone in our journey through life.
Similar Songs to “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry”
If you connected with the spiritual depth and comforting message of “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry,” here are other meaningful hymns that share its intimate tone and life-journey themes:
- “Here I Am, Lord” by Dan Schutte:
Genre: Contemporary Christian
Notable for: First-person divine perspective, call to service
Used for: Baptisms, confirmations, ordinations - “On Eagle’s Wings” by Michael Joncas:
Genre: Christian worship music
Notable for: Biblical imagery, comforting message
Used for: Funerals, memorial services, times of personal struggle - “You Are Mine” by David Haas:
Genre: Contemporary worship
Notable for: God speaking directly to the listener
Used for: Baptisms, pastoral care settings, personal devotion - “Shepherd Me, O God” by Marty Haugen:
Genre: Liturgical music
Notable for: Psalm-based lyrics, gentle melody
Used for: Communion, funerals, moments of reflection - “Be Not Afraid” by Bob Dufford:
Genre: Catholic liturgical music
Notable for: Reassurance in difficult times, biblical promises
Used for: Life transitions, healing services, congregational worship
Similar Artists Like John Ylvisaker
If you connected with the thoughtful lyrics and approachable melodies of “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry,” here are some composers and musicians who create similarly meaningful sacred music:
- Marty Haugen: American composer and liturgical musician
Genre: Contemporary Christian, liturgical music
Notable Works: “Shepherd Me, O God,” “Gather Us In,” “All Are Welcome” - David Haas: American liturgical composer
Genre: Contemporary Christian worship music
Notable Works: “You Are Mine,” “Blest Are They,” “We Are Called” - Michael Joncas: American Catholic priest and composer
Genre: Liturgical music, contemporary hymns
Notable Works: “On Eagle’s Wings,” “I Have Loved You,” “We Come to Your Feast” - Bernadette Farrell: British Catholic liturgical composer
Genre: Contemporary worship music
Notable Works: “Christ Be Our Light,” “Longing for Light,” “God Beyond All Names” - Delores Dufner: American Benedictine Sister and hymn writer
Genre: Sacred music, liturgical hymns
Notable Works: “Sing of the Lord’s Goodness,” “The Spirit Sends Us Forth,” “Song at the Center”
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes This Song Special for Worship Services?
The song’s unique first-person perspective (from God’s viewpoint) and its narrative following a person from birth to old age makes it particularly meaningful for life transitions like baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and funerals.
Has “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry” Been Recorded by Other Artists?
Yes, while Ylvisaker’s original remains the most recognized version, the hymn has been recorded by various church choirs, Christian artists, and included in numerous denominational hymnals.
What Does “Borning Cry” Actually Mean?
The phrase refers to a newborn’s first cry after birth. Ylvisaker used this poetic expression to emphasize God’s presence from the very beginning of life.
