Hymn – Let the Lower Lights

Let the Lower Lights be Burning

This American composition has become part of Norfolk Island’s maritime hymn tradition.

We imagine whalers singing it as they rowed back to shore, their way lit by fires on the cliffs, as described in Harry Robertson’s song, ‘Norfolk Whalers’.

Lyrics

Brightly beams our Father’s mercy

From His lighthouse evermore,

But to us He gives the keeping

Of the lights along the shore.

–

Refrain

Let the lower lights be burning!

Send a gleam across the wave!

Some poor fainting, struggling seaman

You may rescue, you may save.

–

Dark the night of sin has settled,

Loud the angry billows roar,

Eager eyes are watching, longing

For the lights, along the shore.

–

Refrain

Let the lower lights be burning!

Send a gleam across the wave!

Some poor fainting, struggling seaman

You may rescue, you may save.

–

Trim your feeble lamp, my brother,

Some poor sailor, tempest tossed,

Trying now to make the harbour,

In the darkness may be lost.

–

Refrain

Let the lower lights be burning!

Send a gleam across the wave!

Some poor fainting, struggling seaman

You may rescue, you may save.

—

Click on the YouTube to play the Hymn

Author: P. P. Bliss (1871)

Copyright: Public Domain

Written by: Philip Bliss and First recorded on August 7, 1905

About Phillip Bliss

Philip Paul Bliss (9 July 1838 – 29 December 1876) was an American composer, conductor, writer of hymns and a bass-baritone Gospel singer. He wrote many well-known hymns, including “Hold the Fort” (1870), “Almost Persuaded” (1871); “Hallelujah, What a Saviour!” (1875); “Let the Lower Lights Be Burning”; “Wonderful Words of Life” (1875); and the tune for Horatio Spafford’s “It Is Well with My Soul” (1876). Bliss was a recognized friend of D. L. Moody, the famous Chicago preacher. Bliss died in the Ashtabula River Railroad Disaster on his way to one of Moody’s meetings. An outspoken Abolitionist, he served as a Lieutenant during the American Civil War. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Bliss