The New Hymnal for American Youth ‎#242

242. If I can stop one heart from breaking

1 If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain,
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain,
I shall not live in vain.

Optional stanza:
2 If I can keep one spirit singing,
I shall not live in vain,
Or send one twinkling vision winging
Through mist and rain,
Or lead one groping pilgrim
Into the light again,
I shall not live in vain.

Text Information

• First Line: If I can stop one heart from breaking
• Author: Emily Dickinson
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1930
• Copyright: 2nd stanza © Little, Brown and Co.
• Notes: Public Domain.

Tune Information

• Name: CHARITY
• Composer: Peter C. Lutkin
• Copyright: Music copyright by The Century Co.
• Notes: Public Domain.