Close to Thee

Hymn lyrics and .mp3 Download

Listen to:
  Close to Thee Piano (.mp3)
  Close to Thee (.midi)
  Close to Thee (.mp3)
  Close to Thee Bells Version (.mp3)

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1. Thou my everlasting portion, more than friend or life to me, all along my pilgrim journey, Savior, let me walk with thee.

Refrain: Close to thee, close to thee, close to thee, close to thee, all along my pilgrim journey, Savior, let me walk with thee.

2. Not for ease or worldly pleasure, nor for fame my prayer shall be; gladly will I toil and suffer, only let me walk with thee. (Refrain)

3. Lead me through the vale of shadows, bear me o'er life's fitful sea; then the gate of life eternal may I enter, Lord, with thee. (Refrain)

Words by: Fanny J. Crosby
Music by: Silas J. Vail
Video so you can sing along to Close to Thee

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Story of the hymn Close to Thee

"Close to Thee" is a beloved gospel hymn written by the prolific American hymn writer Fanny J. Crosby in 1874. Fanny Crosby (1820-1915), often called the "Queen of Gospel Hymn Writers," authored over 8,000 hymns despite being blind from infancy (due to improper medical treatment shortly after her birth).

Her works, including classics like "Blessed Assurance" and "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross," emphasize personal intimacy with Christ, a theme central to her life and writings.

The story behind "Close to Thee" comes primarily from Crosby's own accounts in her memoir Memories of Eighty Years (1906) and as shared with hymn publisher Ira D. Sankey. Composer Silas J. Vail (1818-1883) created the tune and brought it to Fanny Crosby, asking her to provide lyrics. As Vail played the melody on the piano, Crosby immediately sensed its essence, remarking that the refrain evoked the words "Close to Thee, Close to Thee." This inspired the title and direction of the hymn.

In her personal reflection, she described the moment of inspiration more intimately: Toward the close of a day in 1874, while sitting in her room and meditating on the nearness of God through Christ as her constant companion on life's "pilgrim journey," the opening lines burst from her heart:

Thou my everlasting portion,
More than friend or life to me,
All along my pilgrim journey,
Savior, let me walk with Thee.

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