Music by William Monk (1861)
Poetry by Henry Lyte (1847)
Audio recording
Abide with me! Fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens. Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail, and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me!Swift to its close ebbs out life鈥檚 little day;
Earth鈥檚 joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me!I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter鈥檚 power?
Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me!I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless:
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death鈥檚 sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies;
Heaven鈥檚 morning breaks, and earth鈥檚 vain shadows flee!
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!