Daniel O`Donnell p… Read Full Bio ↴Born: Dungloe, Co Donegal, Ireland 12th December 1961
Daniel O`Donnell popular Irish Country/Celtic Singer since 1989. Has had over 20 top 40 albums in the UK/Ireland and 15 top 40 hit singles and 4 top 20 singles in UK/Ireland to date. Overall he has had over 30 albums to date.
Abide With Me
Daniel O'Donnell Lyrics
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When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless, o abide with me.
I need Thy presence every passing hour
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'r
Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be
Through cloud and sunshine o abide with me.
I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless
Ills have no weight and tears no bitterness
Where is death�s sting, where grave thy victory
I triumph still if Thou abide with me.
Abide with me...
The opening lyrics of "Abide With Me" by Daniel O'Donnell request the Lord's constant and comforting presence through the struggles of life. The "darkness deepens" and the singer feels alone, in need of divine assistance when "other helpers fail and comforts flee." The Lord is called upon as the "Help of the helpless" to remain with the singer.
The following lines express the singer's acknowledgement of their constant dependence on the Lord's presence, describing their need for divine guidance through both moments of happiness ("sunshine") and sorrow ("cloud"). The singer recognizes that only through the Lord's grace can they resist temptation and overcome the weaknesses of human nature. The repetition of the phrase "o abide with me" emphasizes the singer's desire for the Lord's presence constantly in their life.
The final verse expresses the confidence that comes from having the Lord's constant presence. The singer declares that with the Lord, they "fear no foe" and are able to triumph over even death. The victory is achieved not through the singer's own strength, but through the Lord's unwavering presence. The song ends with one final plea for the Lord to abide with the singer.
Line by Line Meaning
The darkness deepens, Lord with me abide
As the darkness grows deeper, I pray for Your presence to be with me.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
When all other sources of help and comfort have failed me.
Help of the helpless, o abide with me.
You are the only help for the helpless, so please stay with me.
I need Thy presence every passing hour
I require Your presence every moment that passes.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'r
Only Your grace can overcome the power of the tempter.
Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be
Who else but You can guide and support me like Your own self.
Through cloud and sunshine o abide with me.
Please remain with me through thick and thin, in both good and bad times.
I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless
I have no fear of any enemy with Your blessings.
Ills have no weight and tears no bitterness
Problems have no burden and tears do not make me bitter.
Where is death�s sting, where grave thy victory
Death has no power and the grave has no victory over me.
I triumph still if Thou abide with me.
My victory is guaranteed as long as You remain with me.
Abide with me...
Please stay with me always.
Contributed by Brody R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.