Piano Demo
0:00
Hymnal Number
703Resource Type:
Keys included:
Eb
About this Hymn
This nineteenth-century hymn is a favorite of believers facing their own death or that of a loved one. Its poignancy is deepened when we realize that its author, the Scotch Anglican Henry Lyte, a skilled poet and musician, wrote the lyrics when facing his own impending death due to tuberculosis. His prayer for God to "abide with me" is answered by Christ, who is ever-present with his people by his Spirit.
Lyrics
Verse 1
Abide with me: fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me!
Verse 2
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away. Change and decay in all around I see. O thou who changest not, abide with me!
Verse 3
I need thy presence ev'ry passing hour; what but thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'r? Who like thyself my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, oh, abide with me!
Verse 4
I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless; ills have no weight and tears no bitterness. Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still if thou abide with me!
Verse 5
Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. Heav'n's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee. In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!
Abide with me: fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me!
Verse 2
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away. Change and decay in all around I see. O thou who changest not, abide with me!
Verse 3
I need thy presence ev'ry passing hour; what but thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'r? Who like thyself my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, oh, abide with me!
Verse 4
I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless; ills have no weight and tears no bitterness. Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still if thou abide with me!
Verse 5
Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. Heav'n's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee. In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!
Copyrighted lyrics may be used in corporate worship in accordance with a valid CCLI license. Lyrics should be displayed unaltered and include author and copyright information. All other uses require permission from the copyright holder.
Attribution & Copyright
Words: Henry F. Lyte, 1847
Music: William H. Monk, 1861
Music: William H. Monk, 1861