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I Cannot Tell Why

I cannot tell why the dear Savior should love me

Author: John McPhail
Tune: [I cannot tell why the dear Savior should love me]
Published in 8 hymnals

Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

1 I cannot tell why the dear Savior should love me,
Or why He should come from His throne in the sky;
I cannot tell why He should suffer to save me,
A sinner unworthy and helpless as I.

Refrain:
He loves me, I know it, tho’ helpless and poor,
For nothing is plainer to me, I am sure;
But why He should love me to suffer and die,
I answer, I know not, I cannot tell why.

2 And when I consider the great condescension,
The anguish endured in the garden at night;
His sorrowful heart and the cup of derision,
I stand in amazement to witness the sight. [Refrain]

3 I look upon Jesus surrounded by sinners,
I look upon Him as He hangs on the tree;
I hear the petition, “Oh, Father, forgive them,
Forgive them for all they have done unto me.” [Refrain]

4 I wonder if angels can tell the deep meaning,
Of love so unselfish—His dying for me;
Or does it not reach far beyond all conception,
Remaining, forever, the great mystery. [Refrain]

Source: Triumphant Songs No.4 #10

Author: John McPhail

(no biographical information available about John McPhail.) Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: I cannot tell why the dear Savior should love me
Title: I Cannot Tell Why
Author: John McPhail
Language: English
Refrain First Line: He loves me, I know it, though helpless and poor
Publication Date: 1890
Copyright: Public Domain

Timeline

Instances

Instances (1 - 8 of 8)
Page Scan

Celestial Songs #224

Page Scan

Crowning Glory No. 2 #32

Page Scan

Excellent Songs #86

Page Scan

Favorite Solos #156

Songs of Saving Power #d83

The Crowning Glory Nos. 1 and 2 #d129

TextAudioPage Scan

Triumphant Songs No.4 #10

Page Scan

Triumphant Songs Nos. 3 and 4 Combined #187

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