Close to Thee

I have read that Frances Jane van Alstyne (Fanny Crosby) was the author of over 8,000 gospel hymn texts. Concerning the following hymn, Crosby wrote, “Toward the close of a day in 1874 I was sitting in my room thinking of the nearness of God through Christ as the constant companion of my pilgrim journey, when my heart burst out with the words.” (Memories of Eighty Years, Fanny Crosby, 1906) Silas Jones Vail had brought her a new tune, and she wrote “Close to Thee for that tune. Vail published the song in Songs of Grace and Glory that same year.

1. Thou my everlasting portion, more than friend or life to me, 
All along my pilgrim journey, Savior, let me walk with Thee. 
Close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, 
All along my pilgrim journey, Savior, let me walk with Thee.

2. Not for ease or worldly pleasure, nor for fame my prayer shall be; 
Gladly will I toil and suffer, only let me walk with Thee. 
Close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, 
Gladly will I toil and suffer, only let me walk with Thee.

3. Lead me through the vale of shadows, bear me over life’s fitful sea; 
Then the gate of life eternal may I enter, Lord, with Thee. 
Close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, 
Then the gate of life eternal may I enter, Lord, with Thee.