May 14, 2016 (Saturday)
The lyrics of “Tell Me the Old, Old Story” are similar to those of I Love to Tell the Story. Both are drawn from A. Katherine Hankey’s poem “The Old, Old Story.” This hymn has been translated into many languages, and has been set to several tunes. W. Howard Doane gave us the tune we find most familiar in 1867. He wrote the music while riding in a stagecoach on a hot day in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
TELL ME THE OLD, OLD STORY
Words: A. Katherine Hankey
Music: W. Howard Doane
1866-1867
Chorus:
Tell me the old, old story, tell me the old, old story,
Tell me the old, old story, of Jesus and His love.
Verses:
Tell me the old, old story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.
Tell me the story simply, as to a little child,
For I am weak and weary, and helpless and defiled.
Tell me the story slowly, that I may take it in,
That wonderful redemption, God’s remedy for sin.
Tell me the story often, for I forget so soon;
The early dew of morning has passed away at noon.
Tell me the story softly, with earnest tones and grave;
Remember I’m the sinner whom Jesus came to save.
Tell me the story always, if you would really be,
In any time of trouble, a comforter to me.
Tell me the same old story when you have cause to fear
That this world’s empty glory is costing me too dear.
Yes, and when that world’s glory is dawning on my soul,
Tell me the old, old story: “Christ Jesus makes thee whole.”
LISTEN