Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling

Representative Text

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

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Author: Will L. Thompson

Will Lamartine Thompson (1847-1909) Born: November 7, 1847, East Liverpool, Ohio. Died: September 20, 1909, New York, New York. Buried: Riverview Cemetery, East Liverpool, Ohio. Rebuffed in an early attempt to sell his songs to a commercial publisher, Thompson started his own publishing company. He later expanded, opening a store to sell pianos, organs and sheet music. Both a lyricist and composer, he ensured he would always remember words or melodies that came to him at odd times: "No matter where I am, at home or hotel, at the store or traveling, if an idea or theme comes to me that I deem worthy of a song, I jot it down in verse. In this… Go to person page >

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Related Texts

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

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Tune

[Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling]

All tunes published with 'Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling'^ top

For Leaders

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This hymn invites us to come and accept God's mercy together. The first stanza and refrain give the picture that Jesus is gently calling, like a mother after her small children. The second stanza reminds us that there is nothing to be gained by delay, especially when the third warns that death is coming sooner or later. The final stanza entices us with a promise of love, pardon, and mercy that is wonderfully available for those who wish to accept it.

Text:

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).

Tune:

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.

When/Why/How:

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

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Baptist Hymnal 1991 #312

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The Cyber Hymnal #6175

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The United Methodist Hymnal #348

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Worship and Rejoice #348

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Hymns of Promise: a large print songbook (2015), p.72

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Instances

Instances (1 - 39 of 39)	Title	First Line	Tune	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

Include 692 pre-1979 instances

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PowerPoint SOFTLY AND TENDERLY (Baptist Hymnal 1991 - 312) SOFTLY AND TENDERLY JESUS IS CALLING (United Methodist Hymnal 348) SOFTLY AND TENDERLY JESUS IS CALLING (Lift Up Your Hearts 615) SOFTLY AND TENDERLY (Hymnal for Worship & Celebration 326) SOFTLY AND TENDERLY (Celebration Hymnal 479)
Piano/Organ Come Home (Just As I Am/Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling/Jesus Is Tenderly Calling) Softly and Tenderly Softly and Tenderly More Piano/Organ...
Choral Softly and Tenderly Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling Come Find Forgiveness and Love More Choral...
Handbells Softly and Tenderly Ring for Joy! – Volume 2 (Easy Reproducible Hymn Medleys for Prayer and Rejoicing) Ring for Joy! – Volume 2 (Easy Reproducible Hymn Medleys for Prayer and Rejoicing) More Handbells...

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