Precious Lord from Hearth & Hymn by Hearth & Hymn
The story goes that Thomas Dorsey wrote this song while grieving his wife, Nettie Harper, and his infant son, both of whom died during the birthing process. Many people believe it was Martin Luther King, Jr.’s favorite hymn, and he often requested that it be sung at Civil Rights events.
Elisabeth grew up singing this gospel song around the piano with her dad in the evenings, from a songbook that belonged to her grandparents. Pat’s family sang this song with Sam, embracing Pat and each other as he transitioned in May 13’.
Words: Thomas Dorsey (1932)
Music: George Nelson Allen (1844)
Source: Readers’ Digest Family Songbook of Faith and Joy (1975)
Copyright1938 Hill & Range songs, Inc. Copyright Renewed, assigned to Unichappell Music, Inc. (Rightsong Music, Publisher)
Tracklist
| 5. | Precious Lord | 3:24 |
Lyrics
First Verse:
When my way, grows drear, precious lord, linger near
When my life, is al-most gone
Hear my cry, hear my call, hold my hand, lest I fall
Take my hand, precious lord, lead me home
Refrain:
Precious lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn
Through the storm, through the night, lead me on, to the light
Take my hand, precious lord, lead me home
Second Verse:
When the darkness appears, and the night draws near
And the day, is past, and gone
At the river I stand, guide my feet, hold my hand
Take my hand, precious lord, lead me home
Credits
Elisabeth Pixley Fink: Piano, Vocals
Samantha Cooper: Vocals
License
All rights reserved.
A minimalist folk duo known for their close harmony sisterhood, Hearth & Hymn rearranges old songs that move them with a queer, feminist lens. Hearth & Hymn has released two albums through Earthwork Music: Hearth & Hymn and Lullaby Bangers. The project is co-produced by songwriters Samantha Cooper (Sam) and Elisabeth Pixley-Fink (EPF) who both grew up within “kitchen music” traditions.