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Nearer my God to Thee
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Jun 20, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Sarah Flower Adams's hymn 'Nearer, My God, to Thee' expresses a deep longing for closeness to God, even through suffering. The lyrics draw on the biblical story of Jacob's dream at Bethel, using imagery of a wanderer resting on a stone. The singer resolves to draw nearer to God whether through trials or joy, seeing even a cross as a means to draw closer. The hymn has been a source of comfort at funerals and times of distress, famously associated with the sinking of the Titanic. Its theme of persistent faith and surrender to God's will has made it a beloved classic.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
Nearer to thee!
E'en though it be a cross
That raiseth me.
Still all my song shall be
(Chorus)
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
There let the way appear,
Steps unto heav'n;
All that thou sendest me,
In mercy giv'n;
Angels to beckon me
Then with my waking thoughts
Bright with thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs
Bethel I'll raise;
So by my woes to be
Or if, on joyful wing
Cleaving the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot,
Upward I fly,
Still all my song shall be