I’ve never heard this sung in a church either but it is mentioned in Harry Chapin’s “Dance Band on the Titanic.” It was written in the nineteenth century by Sarah F. Adams and Lowell Mason. It should sound like the excerpt at AOV. This acapella version is nice as is this gentle piano arrangement. There are lots of YouTube videos about this song, many with Titanic associations.
1. Nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee! E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me, still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to thee; nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee! 2. Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down, darkness be over me, my rest a stone; yet in my dreams I'd be nearer, my God, to thee; nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee! 3. There let the way appear, steps unto heaven; all that thou sendest me, in mercy given; angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to thee; nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee! 4. Then, with my waking thoughts bright with thy praise, out of my stony griefs Bethel I'll raise; so by my woes to be nearer, my God, to thee; nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee! 5. Or if, on joyful wing cleaving the sky, sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I fly, still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to thee; nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee! Alternative lyrics: 2.Friends may depart from me, Night may come down, Clouds of adversity darken and frown: Still through my tears I'll see Hope gently leading me .... 3. What though the shadows fall, Naught shall I fear; When darkest seems the night, Morning is near. Sweet shall my trusting be, Sorrow still bringing me ....
Thank you. I have been looking for the alt. verses for some time. We used to sing this at funerals in the 70’s. Once in Ballarat, at the graveside, a light rain falling, 12 young seminarians in black habits, singing a capella in harmonies, I recall our tears mingling with the gentle rain.
Thank you. The alternative lyrics are the ones I remember.