Joy to the World ‎#58

58. "Hold the Light up Higher"

1 Many souls on life's dark ocean,
Void of helm or oar,
Battling with the waves' commotion,
Seek a quiet shore.
Christian brother, thine the labor,
By the light of love,
To assist thy erring neighbor
To the port above.

Chorus:
Hold the light up higher, higher!
Hold the light up higher, higher!
Throw its flashes nigher, nigher!
You a soul may save.

2 Like the lighthouse watcher, keeping
Every beacon bright,
Waking while the world is sleeping,
Wrapt in thickest night.
There is many an ocean ranger
Out upon the shoals
Friends and comrades are in danger,
Save their precious souls. [Chorus]

3 Hold the light for one another,
'Tis the Lord's command;
Seize the shipwrecked, drowning brother,
With a manly hand;
Rouse him up to life and action,
Ply the means to save,
And by love's divine attraction,
Lift him from the wave. [Chorus]

4 Hold the light up higher, higher,
Thousands need your aid;
Throw its flashes nigher, nigher,
Urge, constrain, persuade:
Borrow torches from the altar,
Blazing like the sun,
Hold them up, nor flag nor falter,
Till the work is done. [Chorus]

Text Information

• First Line: Many souls on life's dark ocean
• Title: "Hold the Light up Higher"
• Author: Rev. Wm. Hunter, D. D.
• Refrain First Line: Hold the light up higher, higher!
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1879
• Copyright: From "Songs for Worship"

Tune Information

• Name: [Many souls on life's dark ocean]
• Composer: T. C. O'K
• Key: E♭ Major