Classic Christian Hymns · Public-domain text

Nearer, My God, to Thee

Sarah F. Adams

An English Unitarian poet and playwright (1805–1848). Adams struggled with chronic illness, which cut short her promising career in theater. Turning her talents to writing, she penned 'Nearer, My God, to Thee' in 1841. The hymn, based on Jacob's dream of a ladder to heaven, became a global source of comfort, famously played by the band of the Titanic as the ship sank.

Source: Hymns and Anthems

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, my God, to thee
Nearer to thee
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, my God, to thee
Nearer to thee
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, my God, to thee
Nearer to thee
Then with my waking thoughts
Bright with thy praise
Out of my stony griefs
Bethel I'll raise
So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God, to thee
Nearer, my God, to thee
Nearer to thee
Or if on joyful wing
Cleaving the sky
Sun, moon, and stars forgot
Upward I fly
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to thee
Nearer, my God, to thee
Nearer to thee