Como was also very popular in the UK. His chart successes ranged from 1953 to 1974 and included two number one's, his first hit 'Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes' in 1953 and 'Magic Moments' which stayed at the top for 8 weeks in 1958. His other big UK hits were 'Delaware' ( No 3 in 1960), ' It's Impossible' (No 4 in 1971) , 'And I Love You So' (No 3 in 1973), and 'For The Good Times' (No 7 in 1973).
As well as TV and recording success, Perry Como also made a number of films, including ' Something For The Boys' and 'Doll Face' which were released during WW2.
He died in his sleep on 12 May 2001.
Abide With Me
Perry Como Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The darkness deepens. lord with me abide!
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me!
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day.
Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away.
Change and decay in all around i see,
I need thy presence ev'ry passing hour.
What but thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'are?
Who, like thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, lord, abide with me!
Perry Como's song "Abide With Me" is a beautiful and moving hymn that speaks to the human desire for comfort and companionship, especially during times of darkness and uncertainty. The lyrics are a plea for God to remain present in the singer's life, even when all other sources of help and support have failed. The opening lines, "Abide with me! fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens. lord with me abide!" evoke a sense of urgency and desperation, as the singer fears being left alone in the coming night.
As the song continues, the imagery shifts to the passing of time and the impermanence of earthly pleasures. The lyrics "Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day. Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away. Change and decay in all around I see" speak to the idea that everything in life is fleeting and temporary, and that only a constant, unchanging presence like God's can provide true comfort and stability.
The final stanza of the song is a heartwarming expression of the singer's need for God's presence in every moment of their life. The line "I need thy presence ev'ry passing hour. What but thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'are?" reveals a deep sense of vulnerability and humility, as the singer acknowledges their own weakness and dependence on God's mercy and support. Overall, Perry Como's "Abide With Me" is a powerful hymn that expresses the enduring human longing for companionship, comfort, and spiritual fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
Abide with me! fast falls the eventide;
Stay with me! Night falls quickly
The darkness deepens. lord with me abide!
As darkness approaches, stay with me Lord
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
When other support systems fail or leave,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me!
You, the help of the helpless, stay with me!
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day.
Life quickly comes to an end
Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away.
The joys and beauty of the world fades away
Change and decay in all around i see,
Everything around me is changing and deteriorating
O thou who changest not, abide with me!
You, who do not change, stay with me!
I need thy presence ev'ry passing hour.
I need you to be present every moment of each day.
What but thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'are?
Only your grace can overcome the power of temptation
Who, like thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Who else can guide and support me like you?
Through cloud and sunshine, lord, abide with me!
In good times and bad, Lord, stay with me!
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Integrity Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Henry Francis Lyte, Will Henry Monk
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind