Nearer, My God, to Thee
Author: Sarah F. Adams (1841)·Music: Lowell Mason·Scripture: Genesis 28:12·Topic: Hope and Comfort
Meaning & History
Drawn from Jacob's dream of a ladder reaching heaven, this hymn turns sorrow itself into a stairway upward. Famously associated with the Titanic, it remains a favourite for funerals and services of surrender.
Tonic Sol-fa — Stanza 1
Movable-do sol-fa auto-derived from the public-domain melody in G. A rehearsal aid — check it against the score before printing.
Lyrics
Verse 1
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me; Still all my song shall be, Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
Verse 2
Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down, Darkness be over me, my rest a stone; Yet in my dreams I'd be Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
Verse 3
There let the way appear steps unto heaven; All that Thou sendest me in mercy given; Angels to beckon me Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!