Sally DeFord Music
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Abide With Me

MP3 Recording featuring vocals by Stephanie Boyd (solo) :   Hi-speed    Dialup    Download
MP3 accompaniment track :   Hi-speed    Dialup    Download

MP3 Recording featuring vocals by Ben and Angie Jack (duet) :   Hi-speed    Dialup    Download
MP3 piano track (with flute) :   Hi-speed    Dialup    Download

View/print sheet music:     Solo (PDF) / Solo (.mus)     Duet or two-part choir (PDF) / Duet or two-part choir (.mus)     Obbligato (PDF) / Obbligato(.mus)

Words by Henry F. Lyte (adapted)
Melody by William H Monk (adapted)
Arranged by Sally DeFord
    Henry F. Lyte wrote several more stanzas for this beautiful hymn than are usually sung. I have chosen to include one of these verses (with a slight modification in tense) since I love the hope and confidence it expresses. The obbligato is written for C-instrument, and may be used for either version. You'll notice that part of it is ommitted in the duet recording. The notes that are omitted are included as optional in the score. Stephanie's interpretation is modern; the Jack's is traditional.

        Lyrics:

        Abide with me! Fast falls the eventide
        The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide
        When other helpers fail and comforts flee
        Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me

        I need thy presence every passing hour
        What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
        Who like thyself my guide and stay can be?
        Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me

        I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless
        Ills have no weight and tears no bitterness
        Death has no sting, the grave no victory*
        I triumph still if thou abide with me


        *Author's original words are, "Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?"