Music & HymnsI Will Sing The Wondrous Story

"I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever." Psalm 89:1

Words: Francis Harold Rowley, 1886:

I was minister of the First Baptist Church of North Adams, Massachusetts, in 1886. The church and the community were experiencing a period of unusual interest in religious matters, and I was assisted by a remarkable young singer named Peter Bilhorn. One night after the close of the service he said, "Why don't you write a hymn for me to set to music?" During the night these verses came to me. Bilhorn provided the music.

The original lyrics began, "Can't you sing the wondrous story…" Ira Sankey changed them before publishing the song in the 1887 edition of his Sacred Songs and Solos.

Music: Peter Philip Bilhorn, 1886

"Hyfrydol," Rowland Huw Prichard, 1830

I will sing the wondrous story
Of the Christ who died for me.
How He left His home in glory
For the cross of Calvary.

Refrain

Yes, I'll sing the wondrous story
Of the Christ Who died for me,
Sing it with the saints in glory,
Gathered by the crystal sea.

I was lost, but Jesus found me,
Found the sheep that went astray,
Threw His loving arms around me,
Drew me back into His way.

Refrain

I was bruised, but Jesus healed me,
Faint was I from many a fall,
Sight was gone, and fears possessed me,
But He freed me from them all.

Refrain

Days of darkness still come o'er me,
Sorrow's path I often tread,
But His presence still is with me;
By His guiding hand I'm led.

Refrain

He will keep me till the river
Rolls its waters at my feet;
Then He'll bear me safely over,
Where the loved ones I shall meet.

Refrain

Hymns supplied through the gracious generosity of the Cyber Hymnal Website