August 31, 2021 (Tuesday)
The song, “Brighten the Corner Where You Are,” was written in 1913, and became Evangelist Billy Sunday’s theme song. It was popular, and I suppose that is why it was heard so much when I was a child. I learned the chorus while still a pre-schooler.
I’m pretty sure that I did not understand the true meaning of the song when I was just a small child, but I sang the chorus anyway, because it was a happy song and easy to learn and sing. It also had a great message for everyone: “Brighten the corner where you are. You may be just a child, but you can make someone happy today. Your job may be boring, but you can brighten up your workplace and help someone along life’s way. The world may be full of troubles, but you can help those within your little corner of it by brightening their day with a kind word, a helpful deed, or just a friendly smile. You have freedom to bless the lives of others. Why not take advantage of that liberty? Who knows? Your testimony may be just the nudge that was needed in a life that seemed to be just drifting. Like another song says, “If I can help somebody along life’s way, then my living will not be in vain.”
BRIGHTEN THE CORNER WHERE YOU ARE
Words, Ina Ogden
Music, Charles Gabriel
1913
Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,
Do not wait to shed your light afar;
To the many duties ever near you now be true,
Brighten the corner where you are.
Brighten the corner where you are!
Brighten the corner where you are!
Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar;
Brighten the corner where you are!
Just above are clouded skies that you may help to clear,
Let not narrow self your way debar;
Though into one heart alone may fall your song of cheer,
Brighten the corner where you are.
Brighten the corner where you are!
Brighten the corner where you are!
Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar;
Brighten the corner where you are!
Here for all your talent you may surely find a need,
Here reflect the bright and Morning Star;
Even from your humble hand the Bread of Life may feed,
Brighten the corner where you are
Brighten the corner where you are!
Brighten the corner where you are!
Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar;
Brighten the corner where you are!.