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1 Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
calling for you and for me;
see, on the portals he's waiting and watching,
watching for you and for me.
Refrain:
Come home, come home;
you who are weary come home;
earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, O sinner, come home!
2 Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not his mercies,
mercies for you and for me? [Refrain]
3 Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
passing from you and from me;
shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
coming for you and for me. [Refrain]
4 O for the wonderful love he has promised,
promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, he has mercy and pardon,
pardon for you and for me. [Refrain]
United Methodist Hymnal, 1989
First Line: | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling |
Title: | Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling |
Author: | Will L. Thompson (1880) |
Meter: | 11.7.11.7 with refrain |
Language: | English |
Refrain First Line: | Come home, come home |
Copyright: | Public Domain |
This text was written by Will L. Thompson and first published in 1880 by his own music company, Will L. Thompson and Co., in Sparkling Gems, edited by J. Calvin Bushey. The text has four stanzas and a refrain, although the third stanza (“Time is now fleeting”) is sometimes omitted. Other hymnals alter the third line of that stanza from “deathbeds are coming” to “death's night is coming.” Carlton Young has called this song a lullaby, writing “This attribute contributes to the continuing popularity of this genre of religious song that presents Jesus as waiting, caring, and forgiving in intimate – and for many, compelling – metaphors” (Companion to the United Methodist Hymnal, p. 600).
Will Thompson's tune is called either SOFTLY AND TENDERLY, after the text for which it was written, or THOMPSON, after the composer. The structure of the tune fits the lullaby idea well, for it is in triple meter and has fairly simple harmony, though the conclusion of the first phrase in the refrain is chromatic.
This is a hymn of invitation that could be used at funerals or memorial services. An instrumental setting could provide a time of silent contemplation on the end of this life. A string quartet setting of “Softly and Tenderly” trades the melody around between members, and includes an optional third violin as a substitute for viola. Another suggestion is to have the choir or a soloist sing the hymn, particularly if many in the congregation are unfamiliar with it. “Softly and Tenderly” is a vocal arrangement that can be performed by anything from a soloist to a choir. A medley of gospel hymns of invitation, “Come Home” includes “Just As I Am,” “Softly and Tenderly,” and “Jesus is Tenderly Calling” in a simple choral arrangement with piano accompaniment. An a capella choral setting, “Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling,” prominently features a soloist.
Tiffany Shomsky, Hymnary.org
Instances (1 - 39 of 39) | Title | First Line | Tune | Tune Key | Author | Meter | Scripture | Date | Subject | Source | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
African American Heritage Hymnal #347 | Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | THOMPSON | Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909 | 11 7 11 7 with refrain | Matthew 11:28 | 2001 | Invitation | ; Jesus Christ | His Love and Mercy | ![]() | ![]() | |||||||
Ambassador Hymnal: for Lutheran worship #431 | Softly and Tenderly | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | THOMPSON | Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909 | 11 7 11 7 w/refrain | 1994 | Forgiveness | ; Invitation | ; Jesus Christ | His Love; Mercy | ; Promises | ; Repentance | ; Salvation | ; Surrender | | ||||||||||
Baptist Hymnal 1991 #312 | Softly and Tenderly | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | THOMPSON | Will L. Thompson | Irregular | Matthew 11:28 | 1991 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |||||||
Baptist Hymnal 2008 #414 | Softly and Tenderly | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | THOMPSON | Will L. Thompson | 11.7.11.7. with Chorus | 2008 | Redemption, Salvation, Atonement | ; Surrender, Submission | | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |||||||
Celebrating Grace Hymnal #474 | Softly and Tenderly | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | THOMPSON | Will L. Thompson | 11.7.11.7 with refrain | 2010 | The Church at Worship | Calling; Calling-to Salvation | ; Repentance | | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||
Chalice Hymnal #340 | Softly and Tenderly | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | THOMPSON | Will L. Thompson | 11 7.11 7 w. refrain | Matthew 11:28-30 | 1995 | God's Church | The Church at Worship: Invitation to Discipleship; Forgiveness | ; Invitation | | ![]() | ![]() | |||||||
Evangelical Lutheran Worship #608 | Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | THOMPSON | Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909 | 11 7 11 7 and refrain | 2006 | Confession, Forgiveness | ; Invitation | ; Lent | ; Mercy | | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||
Gather (3rd ed.) #963 | Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | [Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling] | Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909 | 2011 | Penance | ; Death | ; Homecoming | ; Jesus Christ | ; Love of God for Us | ; Mercy | ; Promise of God | ; Reconciliation | ; Refuge | ; Repentance | ; Sin | ; Times and Seasons | | ![]() | ||||||||||
Gather Comprehensive, Second Edition #850 | Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | [Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling] | Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909 | 2004 | Penance | ; Time | | ![]() | ||||||||||
Glory to God: the Presbyterian Hymnal #418 | Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | SOFTLY AND TENDERLY | Will L. Thompson | 11.7.11.7 with refrain | Isaiah 55:7; Matthew 11:28; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 15:11-32; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; 1 John 1:9; Revelation 3:20; Revelation 22:17 | 2013 | Confession | ; Forgiveness | ; Invitation | ; Love of God for Us | ; Mercy | ; Repentance | | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ||||
Hymnal: A Worship Book #491 | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | THOMPSON | Will L. Thompson | 1992 | <cite>Sparkling Gems Nos. 1 & 2 Combined</cite>, 1880 | |||||||||||
Hymns for a Pilgrim People: a congregational hymnal #316 | Softly and Tenderly Jesus ls Calling | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | THOMPSON | Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909 | 11.7.11.7 with Refrain | Matthew 11:28 | 2007 | Calling | ; Gospel Call and Response | ; Love | ; Mercy | ; Promise | ; Reconciliation | ; Redemption | ; Salvation | ; Time | | ![]() | ||||||||
Hymns of Faith #347 | Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | [Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling] | Will L. Thompson | Isaiah 55:7; Matthew 11:28 | 1980 | ![]() | ![]() | |||||||||
Hymns of Promise: a large print songbook #61 | Softly and Tenderly | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | THOMPSON | Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909 | 11.7.11.7.Ref. | 2015 | Praise to Christ | | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||
Lead Me, Guide Me (2nd ed.) #769 | Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | THOMPSON | Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909 | 11 7 11 7 with refrain | Matthew 11:28; Luke 15:11-32; 1 John 1:9 | 2012 | Penance | Sacraments; Comfort | ; Death | ; Homecoming | ; Jesus Christ | ; Love of God for Us | ; Mercy, Forgiveness | ; Promise of God | ; Reconciliation, Atonement, Forgiveness | ; Refuge, Security | ; Sickness | ; Times and Seasons | | ![]() | ||||||||
Lift Every Voice and Sing II: an African American hymnal #101 | Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | [Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling] | Will L. Thompson (1847-1909) | 1993 | Hymns and Songs | Jesus Christ our Lord | ![]() | ||||||||||
Lift Up Your Hearts: psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs #615 | Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | THOMPSON | Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909 | 11.7.11.7 refrain 4.7.11.7 | Matthew 11:28-30; Luke 15:17-24; Romans 5:6-11; Hebrews 2:1-4 | 2013 | Call to Discples | ; New Heaven and Earth | ; Repentance | ; Rest | ; Return to God | ; Salvation | ; Elements of Worship | Confession | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||
Oramos Cantando = We Pray In Song #775 | Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling (Tierno y Amante, Jesús Nos Invita) | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling (Tierno y amante, Jesús nos invita) | THOMPSON | Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909; E. L. Maxwell; Pedro Grado, 1862-1923; H. C. Ball | 11 7 11 7 with refrain | Matthew 11:28; Luke 15:11-32; John 3:16; Romans 7:31-39; Ephesians 2:1; 1 John 1:9 | 2013 | Rites of the Church | Penance; Ritos de la Iglesia | Penitencia; Rites of the Church | Funeral; Ritos de la Iglesia | Exequias; Amor de Dios para Nosotros | ; Love of God for Us | ; Arrepentimiento | ; Repentance | ; Death | ; Muerte | ; Homecoming | ; Regreso al Hogar | ; Jesucristo | ; Jesus Christ | ; Mercy | ; Misericordia | ; Pecado | ; Sin | ; Promesa de Dios | ; Promise of God | ; Reconciliación | ; Reconciliation | ; Refuge | ; Refugio | ; Tiempos y Temporadas | ; Times and Seasons | | ![]() | ||||||||
Praise! Our Songs and Hymns #301 | Softly and Tenderly | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | [Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling] | Will L. Thompson | 1979 | Invitation | | ![]() | ||||||||||
Rejoice Hymns #484 | Softly and Tenderly | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | THOMPSON | Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909 | Irregular | Matthew 11:28 | 2011 | God | Faithfulness; Invitation | ; Salvation | | |||||||||
Renew! Songs & Hymns for Blended Worship #147 | Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | THOMPSON | Will L. Thompson | 11.7.11.7.Refrain | 1995 | Service of the Word | Invitation Songs; The Service of the Word | Invitational Songs | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||
Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal #287 | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | [Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling] | 1985 | |||||||||||||
Sing Joyfully #389 | Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | [Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling] | Will L. Thompson | 1989 | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||||
Small Church Music #115 | Come home, come home | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | THOMPSON | Will L. Thompson | 11.7.11.7. with refrain | ![]() | |||||||||||
Soul-stirring Songs & Hymns (Rev. ed.) #280 | Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | [Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling] | Will L. Thompson | 1989 | Invitation | | |||||||||||
The Celebration Hymnal: songs and hymns for worship #479 | Softly and Tenderly | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | THOMPSON | Will L. Thompson | 11.7.11.7. with Refrain | 1997 | New Life in Christ | Invitation and Acceptance | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||
The Cyber Hymnal #6175 | Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | [Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling] | Will L. Thompson | Will L. Thompson, in <cite>Sparkling Gems</cite> Nos. 1 and 2, by J. Calvin Bushey (Chicago, Illinois: Will L. Thompson & Company, 1880 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |||||||||
The Hymnal for Worship and Celebration #326 | Softly and Tenderly | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | THOMPSON | Will L. Thompson | 11.7.11.7. with Refrain | 1986 | Invitation and Acceptance | ; Salvation | | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||
The New Century Hymnal #449 | Softly and Tenderly | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | SOFTLY AND TENDERLY | Will L. Thompson | 11.7.11.7.with refrain | 1995 | Comfort and Assurance | ; Consecration | ; Eternal Life | ; Trust | ; Year A | Proper 9 | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||
The New National Baptist Hymnal #150 | Softly and Tenderly | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | [Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling] | Will L. Thompson | 1994 | ||||||||||||
The United Methodist Hymnal #348 | Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | THOMPSON | Will L. Thompson | 11 7.11 7 with Refrain | Matthew 21:32 | 1989 | Prevenient Grace | Invitation; Affliction and Tribulation | ; Call to the Christian Life | ; Forgiveness | | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |||||
The Worshiping Church #441 | Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | THOMPSON | Will L. Thompson | 11.7.11.7.Ref. | Ephesians 2:1; John 11:28; Matthew 11:28 | 1990 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |||||||
This Far By Faith: an African American resource for worship #155 | Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | THOMPSON | Will Thompson, 1847-1909 | 1999 | Invitation to Discipleship | ; Healing, Forgiveness | ; Lent | | ![]() | ![]() | |||||||||
Timeless Truths #946 | Softly and Tenderly | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | [Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling] | W. L. T. | 11.7.11.7.4.7.11.7 | Mark 10:49 | Invitation | | Timeless Truths (http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Softly_and_Tenderly); Faith Publishing House, <i>Echoes from Heaven</i>, 1976 (193) | ![]() | ||||||||
Trinity Hymnal (Rev. ed.) #479 | Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | THOMPSON | Will L. Thompson | 11.7.11.7.ref. | John 10:3 | 1990 | The Way of Salvation | The Free Offer of the Gospel; Calling | ; Danger of Delay | ; Voice of Jesus | | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||
With One Voice #734 | Softy and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | THOMPSON | Will Thompson, 1847-1909 | 11 7 11 7 and refrain | Luke 15:11-32 | 1995 | Forgiveness, Healing | | ![]() | ![]() | |||||||
Worship and Rejoice #348 | Softly and Tenderly | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | THOMPSON | Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909 | 11.7.11.7.Ref. | John 3:16; 1 John 1:9; Luke 15:11-32; Ephesians 2:1; Matthew 11:28; Romans 8:31-39; John 13:1 | 2008 | Invitation | | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |||||
Worship in Song: A Friends Hymnal #209 | Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling | Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling | [Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling] | Will L. Thompson | 1996 | Comfort | ; Death | ; Forgiveness | ; God's Love | ; Living Christ | ; Mercy | ; Sin | | <cite>Sparkling Gems Nos. 1 & 2 Combined</cite>, 1880 | ||||||||||
찬송과 예배 = Chansong gwa yebae = Come, Let Us Worship: the Korean-English Presbyterian hymnal and service book #284 | 예 수 가 우 리 를 부 르 는 소 리 (Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling) | 예 수 가 우 리 를 부 르 는 소 리 (Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling) | THOMPSON | Will L. Thompson | 11 7.11 7 with Refrain | 2001 | 예 수 그 리 스 도 | ; Affliction and Comfort | ; Christian Life | ; Discipleship and Service | ; Grace and Calmness | ; Jesus Christ | ; Trust and Assurance | ; 고통과 편안함 | ; 그리스도인의 삶 | ; 제자 훈련 와 봉사 | ; 은혜 와 평안 | ; 신 뢰 와 확신 | | Korean trans. The United Methodist Korean Hymnal Committee |