Description
This blessed old hymn originated in 1905. Civilla Martin from Nova Scotia traveled to Elmira, NY to visit friends along with her minister husband. They met an elderly invalid couple and were amazed at their joyful and happy demeanor despite great hardships. When asked how they could still be joyful, Mrs. Doolittle replied, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me!” Her source stems from Matthew 10:29, “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground apart from your Father. Fear not, ye are of more value than many sparrows.:” Civilla was inspired to write these lyrics:
Verse 1:
Why should I feel discouraged
Why should the shadows come
Why should my heart be lonely
And long for Heaven and home?
When Jesus is my portion
My constant friend is He
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me.
Chorus:
I sing because I’m happy
I sing because I’m free
For His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me.
Civilla sent her lyrics to hymn composer Charles Gabriel (known for his hymn, “Higher Ground”) in Chicago. The hymn became very popular in Revivals and spread to England where it was first sung to a public audience at Royal Albert Hall. Arrangements by Janet Witman.
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