Gospel Song – Stand By Me

Gospel Song – Stand By Me.

This gospel classic was written in 1905 by Rev. Charles Tindley, an AME pastor. It was first recorded in 1928 by the Pace Jubilee Singers. “Stand By Me” has been popular in the African American as well as the Southern Gospel churches ever since. This hymn was even an inspiration for the international hit song by the same name, written in 1987 by Ben E. King. It was difficult to locate a rendition that includes all five verses. All the lyrics are very powerful, so I recommend meditating on all of them. It’s easy to see that Tindley is not asking another person to stand by him. He is pleading with the Lord to stand by him, through all types of difficulties. The last line in each verse makes it clear that Pastor Tindley leans on the character of God, that he depends on God’s strength, power and compassion. God is his first line of defense, much as Isaiah said in Isaiah 12… “Surely it is God who saves me. I will trust in Him and not be afraid. For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, and He will be my Savior.” 

 

LYRICS – Stand By Me

1. When the storms of life are raging, stand by me (2x).

When the world is tossing me, like a ship upon the sea,

Thou who rulest wind and water, stand by me.

 

2. In the midst of tribulation, stand by me (2x).

When the hosts of hell assail, and my strength begins to fail,

thou who never lost a battle, stand  by me.

 

3. In the midst of faults and failures, stand by me (2x).

When I do the best I can, and my friends misunderstand,

thou who knowest all about me, stand by me.

 

4. In the midst of persecution, stand by me (2x).

When in battle array, undertake to step my way,

thou who saved Paul and Silas, stand by me.

 

5. When I’m growing old and feeble, stand by me (2x). 

When my life becomes a burden, and I’m nearing chilly Jordan.

O thou Lily of the Valley, stand by me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYEGRMR6tdE