1 When the heart is burdened with a weight of fear,
When the path is dreary and the foe is near,
And the weary spirit sighs for love and cheer,
What a perfect friend is Jesus.

Refrain:
What a perfect friend is Jesus!
What a perfect friend is Jesus!
When no earthly friend
Comfort sweet will lend,
What a perfect friend is Jesus!

2 When a storm is sweeping o’er the troubled soul,
Making dim and distant seem the blessed goal;
When our boat is drifting near some dang’rous shoal,
What a perfect friend is Jesus. [Refrain]

3 When we sink in sorrow and companions flee,
When the world is laughing at our misery,
Then we hear his whisper and his face we see;
What a perfect friend is Jesus. [Refrain]

4 When our cares and sorrows to this Friend we bear,
With what love he draws us to his bosom fair;
Oh, what rest and comfort always meet us there;
What a perfect friend is Jesus. [Refrain]