1 The billows swell, the winds are high
Clouds overcast my wintry sky;
Out of the depths to thee I call,
My fears are great, my strength is small.
2 O Lord, a Savior's part perform,
And guide and guard me through the storm;
Defend me from each threatening ill,
Control the waves, say, "peace, be still."
3 Amidst the roaring of the sea,
My souls still hands her hope on thee;
Thy constant love, thy faithful care,
Is all that saves me from despair.
4 Dangers of every shape and name,
Attend the followers of the Lamb,
Who leave the world's deceitful shore,
And leave it to return no more.
5 God of my life, to thee I call,
Afflicted at thy feet I fall;
When the great water-floods prevail,
Leave not my trembling heart to fail!
The Hartford Selection of Hymns from the most approved authors, 1799
William Cowper (pronounced "Cooper"; b. Berkampstead, Hertfordshire, England, 1731; d. East Dereham, Norfolk, England, 1800) is regarded as one of the best early Romantic poets. To biographers he is also known as "mad Cowper." His literary talents produced some of the finest English hymn texts, but his chronic depression accounts for the somber tone of many of those texts. Educated to become an attorney, Cowper was called to the bar in 1754 but never practiced law. In 1763 he had the opportunity to become a clerk for the House of Lords, but the dread of the required public examination triggered his tendency to depression, and he attempted suicide. His subsequent hospitalization and friendship with Morley and Mary Unwin provided emotional st… Go to person page >
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