His biggest hit was "Unchained Melody" in 1955. Other hits were "He", "11th Hour Melody", "Never Turn Back", and "After the Lights Go Low" (all in 1956). "After the Lights Go Low", sung with a put-on British accent, was his last charted hit.
In the late 1950s and 1960s, Hibbler became a civil rights activist, marching with protestors and getting arrested in 1959 in New Jersey and in 1963 in Alabama. The notoriety of this activism discouraged major record labels from carrying his work, but Frank Sinatra supported him and signed him to a contract with his label, [lable]Reprise Records.
However, Hibbler made very few recordings after that, occasionally doing live appearances through the 1990s. He died in April 2001 in Chicago.
He
Al Hibbler Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He alone decides who writes a symphony
He lights ev'ry star that makes the darkness bright
He keeps watch all through each long and lonely night
He still finds the time to hear a child's first prayer
Saint or sinner calls and always finds him there
Though it makes him sad to see the way we live
He can touch a tree and turn the leaves to gold
He knows every lie that you and I have told
Though it makes him sad to see the way we live
He'll always say "I forgive"
He forgives
the sins of those who stray
And welcomes them back into his way
Through tears and doubts and fears and sorrows
He will call them his own
Yet we have forgotten him, it seems
And we've traded him for our own dreams
What has happened to the friend that used to be
Oh, he's still there waiting patiently
He can turn the tides and calm the angry sea
He alone decides who writes a symphony
He lights ev'ry star that makes the darkness bright
He still finds the time to hear a child's first prayer
The lyrics of Al Hibbler's song "He" speak about the almighty God and his unwavering love for humanity. The song is a testament to the countless blessings God has bestowed upon his people, including the power to turn tides, calm the sea, and light every star that brightens our universe. The singer of the song, God, is portrayed as the ultimate decision-maker, who decides who writes the symphony of our lives.
God's omniscience is also highlighted in the song, as he is depicted as being aware of every lie that humanity tells. Nonetheless, God's benevolent nature shines through in the song, as he is always ready to forgive those who have strayed and welcome them back into his loving arms. Despite the sadness that God feels when he observes humanity's waywardness, he never withholds his forgiveness, and is always willing to extend his grace.
Line by Line Meaning
He can turn the tides and calm the angry sea
He has the power to control the movements of oceans and calm any turbulent sea.
He alone decides who writes a symphony
Only he decides who gets the talent and inspiration to write beautiful music.
He lights ev'ry star that makes the darkness bright
He has the power to create and sustain the light that illuminates the universe.
He keeps watch all through each long and lonely night
Even through the darkest and loneliest nights, he watches over and protects us.
He still finds the time to hear a child's first prayer
He always has time to listen to the innocent prayers and wishes of children.
Saint or sinner calls and always finds him there
No matter who calls out for his help, he is always there to offer guidance and support.
Though it makes him sad to see the way we live
Observing the way we live can cause him sadness, but he never loses hope in us.
He'll always say "I forgive"
His capacity for love and forgiveness is limitless, and he is always ready to forgive us for our mistakes and imperfections.
He can touch a tree and turn the leaves to gold
His touch can transform the ordinary into something magical and extraordinary.
He knows every lie that you and I have told
Nothing is hidden from him, and he knows all the lies and deceit that we try to keep from others.
Though it makes him sad to see the way we live
Even though our actions and choices may cause him sadness, he always has faith in our ability to do better and make positive changes.
He'll always say "I forgive"
His unconditional love and willingness to forgive extends to all, regardless of their mistakes or sins.
He forgives
In the end, his message is one of love, forgiveness, and hope for a better tomorrow.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JACK RICHARDS, RICHARD MULLAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
kokolanza
Wonderful delivery. AH's recording of this song comes into my mind every once in a while. For over 65 years! My goodness. Unforgettable. Peace be upon AH, and greetings to all who enjoy this recording.
norman gates
My brother had this record (78rpm) back in the 1950s. I have heard it so many times it had been playing in my head for years and years, love it. Compared to today's music, it sounds like a hymn.
BrickCityBornandBred
My mother loved this song. I remember her singing it. The last stanza "though it makes him sad to see the way we live, He'll always say I forgive always brings tears to my eyes.
rjmike15
This song makes me so happy! It reminds me of sitting around in the living room listening to the radio with my dad. So powerful.
Rick Terry
Al Hibbler is a great talent many have never heard of today. His delivery of this powerful song is a true blessing to all who believe in our Almighty God. What a refreshing of the spirit to listen to this man sing this wonderful song, "HE"
He made all things .... He still makes all things today .... and He makes sure .... all things work together for those who love him today, tomorrow, and forever! He is worthy of our Praise and our Obedience! He alone decides which nations and kingdoms Rise or Fall, and they do so at His own choosing! Pray for America and our nation's leaders to seek HIS goodness for our nation, before it is too late. :~) Bro. Rick
GENE STANSELL
Amen.
Ivo Ponduša
M A G I C !!!
TODAY 100 YEARS AGO
when
AL HIBBLER
(August 16, 1915 – April 24, 2001)
was born
He was an American baritone vocalist
Karen Williams
My Favourite Christian hymn from childhood, grew up singing this.. and such truth in the lyrics,so uplifting! Love this original recording! Thank you
Peter Fiore
Powerful song, powerful voice from a wonderful man!!
Aura G.
I cried every time I listen to this uplifting song !