Nearer My God to Thee
James Stevens Lyrics


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In articulo mortis
Caelitus mihi vires

Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer to Thee
E'en though it be a cross
That raiseth me
There let the way appear (in articulo mortis, caelitus mihi vires)
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)

Overall Meaning

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

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Comments from YouTube:

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 :/

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