The Lord Knows Why

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I may not know the reason why

Author: Johnson Oatman
Tune: [I may not know the reason why] (Gabriel)
Published in 16 hymnals

Printable scores: PDF, MusicXML
Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

1 I may not know the reason why
Dark clouds so often veil the sky,
But tho' my sea be smooth or rough
The Lord knows why, and that's enough.

Chorus:
Oh, yes, He knows, the Lord knows why!
These things are ordered on high;
And tho' dark clouds may hide the sun,
The Lord knows why--His will be done.

2 I may not know why I am led,
So often in the paths I dread,
But, trusting Him I'll press my way;
The Lord knows why--I will obey. [Chorus]

3 I may not know why death should come
To take the dear ones from my home,
But, tho' mine eyes with tears be dim,
The Lord know why--I'll trust in Him. [Chorus]

4 So, tho' I may not understand
The leadings of my Father's hand,
I know to all He has the key,--
He understands each mystery. [Chorus]

Source: Revival Praises #16

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Author: Johnson Oatman

Johnson Oatman, Jr., son of Johnson and Rachel Ann Oatman, was born near Medford, N. J., April 21, 1856. His father was an excellent singer, and it always delighted the son to sit by his side and hear him sing the songs of the church. Outside of the usual time spent in the public schools, Mr. Oatman received his education at Herbert's Academy, Princetown, N. J., and the New Jersey Collegiate Institute, Bordentown, N. J. At the age of nineteen he joined the M.E. Church, and a few years later he was granted a license to preach the Gospel, and still later he was regularly ordained by Bishop Merrill. However, Mr. Oatman only serves as a local preacher. For many years he was engaged with his father in the mercantile business at Lumberton… Go to person page >

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Text Information

Text Information

First Line:	I may not know the reason why
Title:	The Lord Knows Why
Author:	Johnson Oatman
Language:	English
Refrain First Line:	O yes, He knows, the Lord knows why
Copyright:	Public Domain