Song Story: Where Could I Go But To the Lord
Where Could I Go, But to the Lord was written in 1940 by James Buchanan {also known as J.B.} Coats. Mr. Coats was born on April 6, 1901 in Summerland, Mississippi. By the time he…
Behind the Song: The Uncloudy Day
The Unclouded Day is a popular gospel song, especially with quartets and church groups. I was surprised to discover the song was written in 1879. The song was written by Josiah Kelley Alwood. He…
Behind the Song: I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy
I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy is a beautiful contemporary song that expresses how we will feel when we reach heaven. The song was written by Nettie {Neith} Dudley Washington and the music…
Behind the Song: Just a Little Talk with Jesus
Just a Little Talk with Jesus is one of those songs I love to warm up with when sitting down to play the piano. Many quartets love to sing this song and have fun with…
Behind the Song: He is My Everything
If you’ve listened to any of Elvis Presley’s gospel songs, you may have heard him sing, He is My Everything. The song was written by Dallas Frazier. Dallas Frazier is an American country musician and…
Behind the Christmas Carol: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks is a Christmas carol that describes the angels appearance to the shepherds as described in Luke 2:8-14. The song was written by Nahum Tate, who was England’s poet Laureate, and…
Behind the Song: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day was a Christmas poem {turned hymn} written in the mist of the Civil War in 1863 by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The song begins with the narrator in despair…
Behind the Hymn: Angels from the Realms of Glory
Angels from the Realms of Glory was written by Scottish poet James Montgomery. James Montgomery was born on November 4, 1771 in Scotland to Irish parents. His father, John Montgomery, was the only Moravian pastor…
Behind the Song: Mary, Did You Know
Mary, Did You Know? is a popular Christmas song that was written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene. The song originated from Lowry’s desire to ask Mary, “what was…
Behind the Song: Breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven {Mary’s Song} is another contemporary Christmas song, that has become a much loved favorite. The song is written from Mary’s view point. The song starts with why she may have been chosen.…
Behind the Hymn: I Saw Three Ships
I Saw Three Ships {Come Sailing In} is a traditional and popular Christmas carol from England. The hymn was published in 1833 by William Sandys in his book, Christmastide: Its History, Festivities And Carols. …
Behind the Song: Give Thanks with a Thankful heart
In honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, I thought we would look at the popular worship song Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart. Give Thanks was written in 1978 by Henry Smith. Henry Smith, Jr.…
Behind the Hymn: Morning Has Broken
Morning Has Broken is a popular hymn that was written by Eleanor Farjeon. Farjeon was born on February 13, 1881 in London, England. She came from a literary family and was an author of children’s…
Behind the Hymn: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise was written by Walter Chalmers Smith, a pastor of the Free Church of Scotland. Smith was born on December 5, 1824 in Aberdeen, Scotland. He studied at the University…
Behind the Hymn: Brighten the Corner Where You Are
Brighten the Corner Where You Are is a hymn we do not hear in church as often today as we used to. Yet, it has a catchy tune and wonderful message. The hymn was written…
Behind the Hymn: O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go
O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go was written by George Matheson. Matheson was born on March 27, 1842, in Glasgow, Scotland to George and Jane Matheson. At the age of twenty, he was…
Behind the Hymn: And Can It Be, That I Should Gain
And Can It Be is one of the better-known hymns written by Charles Wesley. According to The Oxford Edition of the Works of John Wesley, the song was written immediately after the conversion of…
Behind the Song: You Are My King {Amazing Love}
You Are My King {Amazing Love} is a contemporary song that has become very popular. The song talks about God’s amazing love for us, how we are forgiven, and how Jesus is our King and…
Behind the Song: Holy Ground
Holy Ground is a song that once again shows the power of God. Geron Davis was nineteen years old when his minister father ask him to write a song for the new building their church…
Behind the Hymn: Lord Lift My Feet on Higher Ground
Lord Lift My Feet on Higher Ground was written by Johnson Oatman, Jr. Oatman was born on April 21, 1856 in Medford, New Jersey. He was a businessman and wrote over 5,000 hymns in his…