A song with the same title and similar message as last week’s hymn is I’d Rather Have Jesus, by Luther G. Presley. Like Miller’s hymn, it is a reflection
on the worth of Jesus above all the temporal things of the world. Presley contrasts
the Christian view – “I’d rather have Jesus” – with the worldly view of
striving for the wealth, honor, and fame offered by things that decay. He concludes
with a reference to Matthew 16:26/Mark 8:36.
Luther G. Presley (March 6, 1887 – December 6, 1974) was born in Faulkner County, Arkansas, the son of James Thomas Presley and Nancy Ann Brooks. Presley married Julia Magdaline Yingling in 1911. They had three children. After Maggie’s death, Presley married Lorena Henderson. They had one child. Lorena Presley was also a songwriter. Luther Presley died in 1974 and is buried at Saint Mary’s Cemetery near Rose Bud in White County, Arkansas.
Luther Presley wrote his first song at age 17. His best-known song likely is the spiritual When the Saints Go Marching In. Presley wrote the lyrics in 1937, and Virgil O. Stamps composed the music. Luther G. Presley also wrote When All of God’s Singers Get Home. Heavenly Highway Hymns was compiled by Luther G. Presley for the Stamps Baxter Music Company in 1956. Presley was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2008.
Luther G. Presley (March 6, 1887 – December 6, 1974) was born in Faulkner County, Arkansas, the son of James Thomas Presley and Nancy Ann Brooks. Presley married Julia Magdaline Yingling in 1911. They had three children. After Maggie’s death, Presley married Lorena Henderson. They had one child. Lorena Presley was also a songwriter. Luther Presley died in 1974 and is buried at Saint Mary’s Cemetery near Rose Bud in White County, Arkansas.
Luther Presley wrote his first song at age 17. His best-known song likely is the spiritual When the Saints Go Marching In. Presley wrote the lyrics in 1937, and Virgil O. Stamps composed the music. Luther G. Presley also wrote When All of God’s Singers Get Home. Heavenly Highway Hymns was compiled by Luther G. Presley for the Stamps Baxter Music Company in 1956. Presley was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2008.
1. Men strive for the wealth of this wide, wicked world,
They seek after honor and fame (worldly fame);
So lavishly sporting their diamonds and pearls,
They put the dear Savior to shame.
Chorus:
I’d rather live in that bright city,
Than to own all earth’s silver and gold,
I’d rather have Jesus my Savior,
Than the diamonds of a palace to hold;
I’d rather be just a poor beggar,
Live in a (little) shack by the road,
Than here to own all of earth’s treasures,
With no title to a future abode.
2. They seem not to know that their treasures will rust
And thieves often break thru and steal (often steal);
Contented with pleasure, they follow their lust,
With sorrow their destiny seal.
3. What profit is found in earth’s silver and gold?
How sad at the close of life’s day (fleeting day),
If for the exchange one must lose his own soul,
From heaven’s door be turned away.
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