1) I would not live without Jesus
I need Him so,
He is my constant companion
Where-e'er I go;
He is my hope and salvation;
Close at my side;
I could not live without Jesus,
My Friend and Guide.
Chorus:
Why should one live without Jesus?
O answer why?
Ev'ry one wants the dear Saviour,
When they must die;
So I want Jesus beside me,
Along life's way;
Helping whatever betide me,
From day to day.
2 I would not live without Jesus,
O no, no, no,
He is my Friend and Redeemer,
I love Him so;
He is my light in the darkness,
Lighting my way;
I could not live without Jesus,
To whom I pray. [Chorus]
3 I would not live without Jesus,
Not, if I could;
He will keep me from temptation.
He is so good;
He is my Saviour forever,
He is my Friend;
Loving and failing me never;
Until the end. [Chorus]
Source: The New Wonderful Songs for Work and Worship #176
William C. Poole was born and raised on a farm in Maryland. His parents belonged to the Methodist church. He graduated from Washington College and became a Methodist minister in Wilmington, Delaware area. He was pastor of McCabe Memorial, Richardson Park and other churches. In 1913 he was superintendent of the Anti-Saloon League of Delaware. He wrote about five hundred hymns. The writing was done as recreation and a diversion from his pastoral work. His goal in writing as well as in being a minister was to help people.
Dianne Shapiro, from "The Singers and Their Songs: sketches of living gospel hymn writers" by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel (Chicago: The Rodeheaver Company, 1916) Go to person page >
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