Singing the Living Tradition ‎#96

96. I Cannot Think of Them as Dead

1 I cannot think of them as dead
who walk with me no more;
along the path of life I tread
they are but gone before,
they are but gone before.

2 And still their silent ministry
within my heart has place
as when on earth they walked with me
and met me face to face,
and met me face to face.

3 Their lives are made forever mine;
what they to me have been
has left henceforth its seal and sign
engraven deep within,
engraven deep within.

4 Mine are they by an ownership
nor time nor death can free;
for God has given to love to keep
its own eternally,
its own eternally.

Text Information

• First Line: I cannot think of them as dead
• Title: I Cannot Think of Them as Dead
• Author: Frederick Lucian Hosmer, 1840-1929
• Meter: 8.6.8.6.6.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1993
• Topic: Transcending Mystery and Wonder: Transience; Change; Death and Life; The Living Tradition; Memorials and Funerals; Ministry

Tune Information

• Name: DISTANT BELOVED
• Composer: W. Frederick Wooden, 1953-
• Meter: 8.6.8.6.6.
• Key: E♭ Major
• Copyright: © 1992 Unitarian Universalist Association