Nearer My God to Thee
James Stevens Lyrics
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Caelitus mihi vires
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer to Thee
E'en though it be a cross
That raiseth me
Steps unto heav'n (Deo adjuvante non timendum in perpetuum)
cll that Thou sendest me (dirige nos Domine ad augusta per angusta)
In mercy giv'n (sic itur ad astra, excelsior)
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer, my God, to Thee (dirige nos Domine ad augusta per angusta)
Nearer to Thee (sic itur ad astra, excelsior)
Though like the wanderer (in articulo mortis, caelitus mihi vires)
The sun gone down (Deo adjuvante non timendum in perpetuum)
Darkness be over me (dirige nos Domine ad augusta per angusta)
My rest a stone (sic itur ad astra, excelsior)
cngels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer, my God, to Thee (dirige nos Domine ad augusta per angusta)
Nearer to Thee (sic itur ad astra, excelsior)
Ooh (excelsior, excelsior)
Or if on joyful wing (in articulo mortis, caelitus mihi vires)
Cleaving the sky (Deo adjuvante non timendum in perpetuum)
Sun, moon, and stars forgot (dirige nos Domine ad augusta per angusta)
Upward I (sic itur ad astra, excelsior)
Fly (dirige nos Domine ad augusta per angusta)
(Sic itur ad astra, excelsior)
The lyrics of James Stevens's song, "Nearer My God to Thee," express a deep longing for closeness to God, even in the face of adversity and darkness. The opening lines, "In articulo mortis, Caelitus mihi vires," translate to "At the moment of death, Heavenly strength is on my side." This sets the tone for the rest of the song, emphasizing the belief that even in the most challenging and vulnerable moments of life, one can still draw near to God.
The chorus repeats the plea to be nearer to God, with the acknowledgement that this may come through the experience of bearing a cross. It suggests that the difficulties faced can actually serve as a means of raising one's spirit closer to God. The subsequent lines, "There let the way appear, Steps unto heav'n, all that Thou sendest me, In mercy giv'n," express a trust in God's guidance, acknowledging that God's providence may be revealed through the challenges and trials faced along the way.
The second verse continues with a comparison to a wanderer, someone who feels lost and in darkness. It speaks of the rest being a stone, symbolizing a lack of comfort or ease. However, the lyrics still maintain the desire to be closer to God in these difficult moments. The final verse introduces the possibility of transcending earthly boundaries to reach God, as exemplified by the line, "Or if on joyful wing, cleaving the sky, Sun, moon, and stars forgot, Upward I fly." This suggests that being nearer to God can also be experienced in moments of spiritual elevation, where all earthly concerns are transcended.
Overall, the lyrics of "Nearer My God to Thee" convey a sense of unwavering faith and a longing to draw closer to God, even amidst challenging circumstances and the darkness of life.
Line by Line Meaning
In articulo mortis
In the face of death
Caelitus mihi vires
Heavenly strength is mine
Nearer, my God, to Thee
I desire to be closer to God
Nearer to Thee
Closer to Thee
E'en though it be a cross
Even if it means suffering
That raiseth me
That lifts me up
There let the way appear (in articulo mortis, caelitus mihi vires)
Let the path become clear to me in the face of death and with heavenly strength
Steps unto heav'n (Deo adjuvante non timendum in perpetuum)
Stairs leading to heaven with God's continuous assistance, without fear
cll that Thou sendest me (dirige nos Domine ad augusta per angusta)
All that You send my way, Lord, guide me through difficult challenges towards greatness
In mercy giv'n (sic itur ad astra, excelsior)
Given to me through mercy, reaching higher and higher like a motto
Still all my song shall be
My song will always be
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Closer to Thee, my God
Though like the wanderer (in articulo mortis, caelitus mihi vires)
Even if I resemble a lost wanderer in the face of death with heavenly strength
The sun gone down (Deo adjuvante non timendum in perpetuum)
The sun has set with God's continuous assistance, without fear
Darkness be over me (dirige nos Domine ad augusta per angusta)
If darkness surrounds me, Lord, guide me through difficult challenges towards greatness
My rest a stone (sic itur ad astra, excelsior)
My place of rest is on a stone, going higher and higher like a motto
cngels to beckon me
Angels calling me
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Closer to Thee, my God
Ooh (excelsior, excelsior)
An expression of enthusiasm, going higher and higher
Or if on joyful wing (in articulo mortis, caelitus mihi vires)
Or if I were to fly on joyful wings in the face of death with heavenly strength
Cleaving the sky (Deo adjuvante non timendum in perpetuum)
Dividing the sky with God's continuous assistance, without fear
Sun, moon, and stars forgot (dirige nos Domine ad augusta per angusta)
Forgetting about the sun, moon, and stars, Lord, guide me through difficult challenges towards greatness
Upward I (sic itur ad astra, excelsior)
I ascend upwards like a motto, going higher and higher
Fly (dirige nos Domine ad augusta per angusta)
Fly, Lord, guide me through difficult challenges towards greatness
(Sic itur ad astra, excelsior)
This is the way to the stars, going higher and higher
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Romina Salvo
The best version after the original. The solo was amazing.
Patricia Ann
Absolutely beautiful. Please record more songs like this that glorify our precious Heavenly Father.
Aslee
AMAZING!!!!
Lucy
Just beautiful.
João Paulo Vieira
Fantastic!
Ondrej Holecek
good job soloist :)
arby hardian
beatiful
Mitchell Lo Sie Sen
I wish i could sing🙈
Andrés Vanegas Patiño
El original https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyxXGdG3-Io
Matthew Reingold
too slow :/