Jesus, Lover Of My Soul

Album: Oh Happy Day (1840)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The famous Methodist hymn writer Charles Wesley was deeply burdened by certain spiritual problems. He was reflecting on them in his study when suddenly, through the open window, he saw a sparrow pursued by a large hawk. Through the window fluttered the frightened bird, into Wesley's arms. Inspired by this experience, Wesley penned the words for this hymn. The version best known today is sung to the tune of "Aberystwyth" written by Welsh composer and musician Joseph Parry in 1879.
  • Among the artists to have covered this hymn are the gospel group The Edwin Hawkins Singers in the early 1970s.

Comments: 1

  • Gary A Kearse from Baltimore, Maryland I've been wanting to know the words of this song for years. Thank you for blessing me with this recipe for my salvation.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

P.F. Sloan

P.F. SloanSongwriter Interviews

P.F. was a teenager writing hits and playing on tracks for Jan & Dean when he wrote a #1 hit that got him blackballed.

Zac Hanson

Zac HansonSongwriter Interviews

Zac tells the story of Hanson's massive hit "MMMbop," and talks about how brotherly bonds effect their music.

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)Songwriter Interviews

Mike Rutherford talks about the "Silent Running" storyline and "Land Of Confusion" in the age of Trump.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.