Who Can it Be?

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I've wandered in sorrow and sin

Author: W. A. Ogden
Tune: [I've wandered in sorrow and sin]
Published in 5 hymnals

Representative Text

1 I've wandered in sorrow and sin,
My heart it was heavy and sore,
I heard a voice saying, "Arise and come in,
And Wander in sorrow no more.
Who can it be?
Who can it be?
Thus I was wondering, Who can it be,
Tenderly calling to me?

2 I've struggled in doubt and in fear,
Not knowing to whom I should go,
I heard a voice saying, "Son, be of good cheer,"
So soothingly tender and low.
Who can it be?
Who can it be?
Thus I was wondering, Who can it be,
Tenderly calling to me?

3 I've heard it again and again,
Wherever my footsteps did roam,
It melted my heart with its pitying strain,
It lighted my soul of its gloom.
Oh, it was Thee!
Oh, it was Thee!
Savior of men, O my Jesus, 'twas Thee!
Tenderly calling to me?

4 I turned to my Father above,
I read of his promises sure,
I thought of my Savior, His cross and His love,
And, oh! what a Friend I found there!
Oh, what a Friend!
Oh, what a Friend!
Savior from sin thou hast been unto me,
Savior of sin unto me.

5 I'm groping in darkness no more,
His glory illumines my way;
I'm walking by faith, and His promises are
My solace and joy ev'ry day.
Yes, ev'ry day!
Yes, ev'ry day!
Jesus of Nazareth lighteth my way,
Jesus now lighteth my way.

Source: Crowning Glory No. 1: a choice collection of gospel hymns #173

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Author: W. A. Ogden

William Augustine Ogden USA 1841-1897. Born at Franklin County, OH, his family moved to IN when he was age six. He studied music in local singing schools at age 8, and by age 10 could read church music fairly well. Later, he could write out a melody by hearing it sung or played. He enlisted in the American Civil War in the 30th IN Volunteer Infantry. During the war he organized a male choir which became well known throughout the Army of the Cumberland. After the war, he returned home, resumed music study, and taught school. He married Jennie V Headington, and they had two children: Lowell and Marian. He worked for the Iowa Normal School, Toledo Public School System. Among his teachers: Lowell Mason, Thomas Hastings, E E Baily and… Go to person page >

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Text Information

Text Information

First Line:	I've wandered in sorrow and sin
Title:	Who Can it Be?
Author:	W. A. Ogden
Language:	English
Refrain First Line:	Who can it be?
Publication Date:	1890
Copyright:	Public Domain