Gloria Gaither (b. March 4, 1942) is a songwriter for gospel music, along with her husband, Bill Gaither. She also sang in the Bill Gaither Trio, one of the most influential groups in recent Christian music.
What A Precious Friend Is He
Bill & Gloria Gaither Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've a friend who always cheers me
I've a friend who is so dear to me
What a precious Friend is He.
Chorus
He'll go with me through the valley
He'll go with me all the way, everyday
What a precious Friend is He.
On His promise I'm relying
All my needs He is supplying
He'll be there when I'm dying
What a precious Friend is He.
The lyrics of this song express a strong sense of faith and trust in a higher power, specifically in Jesus Christ as a friend and savior. The singer talks about this friend as someone who is always near and available, cheering them up when they need it, and being so dear to them. This depiction of a friend is quite unique, as it is not limited to the physical realm, but extends to a spiritual dimension. The singer acknowledges that this friend is precious, which suggests that their presence in their life is of great value to them.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the trust that the singer has in this precious friend. They believe that this friend will go with them through the valley, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for difficult times in life. The idea of going all the way, every day suggests an enduring and consistent presence of this friend in the singer's life. The final line of the chorus expresses a plea for help in having faith in the savior, again emphasizing the importance of trust and faith in the relationship with this friend.
The final verse of the song highlights the reliability of this friend. The singer is relying on the promise of this friend, acknowledging that all their needs are being supplied by them. The mention of this friend being there when they're dying suggests a hopeful outlook towards an afterlife, with the knowledge that this friend will be present even beyond the physical realm. Overall, the lyrics of the song portray a strong, unwavering relationship between the singer and their precious friend, based on trust and faith.
Line by Line Meaning
I've a friend who's always near me
I have a friend who is always physically, emotionally, and mentally present with me.
I've a friend who always cheers me
I have a friend who brings joy, happiness, and positivity into my life.
I've a friend who is so dear to me
I have a friend who is very precious, valuable, and important to me.
What a precious Friend is He.
My friend is extremely valuable and important to me, and I treasure our relationship dearly.
He'll go with me through the valley
My friend will accompany me through difficult times, hardships, and challenges that I face.
He'll go with me all the way, everyday
My friend will be with me always, every day, and will never leave my side.
Savior, help me to have faith in Thee
Dear Savior, please help me to maintain my faith and trust in you always.
What a precious Friend is He.
My friend is extremely valuable and important to me, and I treasure our relationship dearly.
On His promise I'm relying
I am placing all of my trust and faith in my friend's promises and commitments to me.
All my needs He is supplying
My friend is providing for all of my physical, emotional, and spiritual needs and requirements.
He'll be there when I'm dying
My friend will still be with me and support me even when I am facing the end of my life.
What a precious Friend is He.
My friend is extremely valuable and important to me, and I treasure our relationship dearly.
Contributed by Caden E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@tellinitlikeitis9540
The ministry of the Holy Spirit is evident in this song. I met Earl Weatherford when I was 14 & gospel music has helped me know the closeness to the Lord I needed so many times since then. I praise God for the Weatherfords!!!
@lowluvver
How about George dropping that last octave? World class!
@northgagal100
Henry Slaughter - a wonderful piano player.
@michaelslaughter7537
This is not the Gatlin Brothers. It's Larry Gatlin with some former members of the Weatherfords. Lily Fern Weatherford, Glen Payne, and Henry Slaughter were members in 1959 when the original of this song was recorded. George Younce is singing bass in place of Armond Morales. The arrangement is very similar to the original record. Larry Gatlin once said that the original album, "In The Garden," was the best gospel album ever recorded.
@jennifursun3303
have two of their old LPs were give to me by a precious saint years ago
@seamus1956
Michael Slaughter This is from the Gaither video “The Gatlin Brothers: Come Home”. In addition to some of their more famous songs, Larry sang with some of his guests. In this one, he takes the place of Earl Weatherford (George Younce also sang with the group in the 50’s); he also sings with Tanya Goodman Sykes in Rusty Goodman’s classic “Who Am I”. It’s a great album!
@txlitehouse1267
First time I saw Henry and Hazel Slaughter they sang this song Ft.Worth 1968 or 1969.
@aristemiralencar2014
Amo essa música. Saudades de tudo inclusive de George 😔
@barbaramcdaniel3739
Can I get your words to this song
@kennypayne9259
This was a fun night. The Gatlins did this video and brought in the groups that had influenced them growing up. As part of The Weatherfords, i got to be part of this. Done on a Sunday night before starting 2-3 days of singing for new Gaither videos. If I remember correctly, I think one of the videos that came out of that round was Rivers of Joy.