You're humming that old tune, right? The one that goes "Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms..." But suddenly you hit a wall. What's the next line? Or maybe you need the full Everlasting Arms hymn lyrics for a service, a project, or just because it popped into your head. Finding the *right* version online can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Why are there slight differences? Where did it even come from? I remember trying to track down the definitive lyrics years ago for my grandmother's memorial leaflet – talk about frustrating variations! Let's cut through the confusion together.
The Heart of the Hymn: Understanding "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms"
This isn't just another old song. It’s comfort wrapped in melody. Written way back in 1887 by Elisha A. Hoffman (words) and Anthony J. Showalter (music), it sprang from a Bible verse – Deuteronomy 33:27: "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." That image? Pure, solid comfort. Knowing the backstory makes singing those Everlasting Arms hymn lyrics feel different, heavier in a good way.
What makes it stick? It’s simple. Direct. No fancy theological terms. Just leaning. Resting. Finding refuge. That simplicity is its superpower. You don't need a theology degree to get it. You just need to feel weary sometimes. And boy, haven't we all felt that?
The Full Everlasting Arms Hymn Lyrics (Most Common Version)
Okay, down to brass tacks. Here are the lyrics most folks recognize. This seems to be the version consistently found in older hymnals and what people generally sing today. Print this out, stick it on your fridge, save it for when you need it:
Verse 1
What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Refrain
Leaning, leaning,
Safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Verse 2
O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
O how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Verse 3
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Wait, is there another verse? Sometimes you might stumble across a fourth verse floating around. Honestly? It feels tacked on. Not terrible, but it doesn't have the same flow or widespread acceptance as these three. Most scholars and major hymnals stick with the trio above. If you see a fourth, it's likely a later addition that didn't quite stick.
Not All Lyrics Are Created Equal: Variations You Might Find
Get ready for some hymn detective work. If you've scoured the web for Everlasting Arms hymn lyrics, you've probably seen slight differences. It's not your imagination! Here’s why it happens and what to look for:
| Phrase Variation | Common Version | Alternative Version | Notes (Which is 'Right'?) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Line | "What a fellowship, what a joy divine" | "What a blessedness, what a peace is mine" (sometimes swapped) | The "fellowship/joy divine" opening is overwhelmingly standard. Swapping it feels off-balance. Stick with the original flow. |
| Refrain Line 1 | "Leaning, leaning" | "Safe and secure..." (starting directly) | Omitting the double "Leaning" is rare and cuts the signature rhythm. Nearly all sources include it. |
| Verse 2, Line 1 | "O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way" | "How sweet to walk..." (dropping the "O") | A minor tweak. The "O" adds a poetic touch common in hymns of that era. Both are technically okay, but the "O" is original. |
| Verse 3, Line 1 | "What have I to dread, what have I to fear" | "I have no dread, I have no fear" | The questioning "What have I..." is stronger rhetorically and matches Hoffman's typical style. The declarative version is less common. |
| Overall Feel | "Leaning on the everlasting arms" | "Resting in the everlasting arms" (sometimes) | "Leaning" is the absolutely definitive verb used throughout the original publications. "Resting" pops up occasionally but is a substitution. |
My advice? For authenticity, especially if preparing something formal like a church bulletin, use the common versions listed in the full lyrics section above (the ones with "fellowship/joy divine" first and "Leaning, leaning"). That’s the gold standard.
Beyond the Words: Finding Sheet Music and Recordings
Got the Everlasting Arms hymn lyrics down? Great! Now maybe you need the music to play it or hear how it sounds. Here's where to look without getting lost:
Free & Legal Sheet Music Sources
- Hymnary.org: This is the scholar's toolbox. Tons of scanned pages from old hymnals showing melody lines and harmonies. Type in "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" and boom. You'll see different arrangements. (Link to Hymnary.org)
- CyberHymnal (now at HymnTime.com): An old internet standby. Usually provides the basic melody line with the lyrics underneath. Simple, functional. (Link to HymnTime)
- ChoralWiki (CPDL): Need parts for a choir? This archive of public domain choral music often has SATB arrangements uploaded by users. Quality varies, but it's a treasure trove. (Link to ChoralWiki)
Popular Recordings Worth a Listen
Hearing it brings it to life. Some versions nail it; others... well, let's just say they take liberties. Here’s a quick guide:
| Artist | Style | Where to Find | Good For | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alan Jackson | Traditional Country / Gospel | Album: "Precious Memories" (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube) | Pure, straightforward rendition. Feels like Sunday morning. | The gold standard for authenticity. Jackson's voice suits it perfectly. No flash, just faith. |
| Ira D. Sankey (Historic) | Classic Hymn Style (1890s) | YouTube (Various uploads) | Hearing the hymn as it might have sounded originally. Historical vibe. | Fascinating, but the recording quality is obviously rough. More academic interest than devotional for most. |
| Various Southern Gospel Groups (e.g., Gaither Vocal Band, Booth Brothers) | Southern Gospel | YouTube, Streaming Services | Energy, tight harmonies. Often faster tempo. | Can feel uplifting, but sometimes loses the contemplative "leaning" feel for a more triumphant "marching" vibe. Depends on your taste. |
| Indie Folk Artists (Various) | Acoustic, Folk | YouTube, Bandcamp | Gentle, introspective versions. | Hit or miss. Some are beautiful re-imaginings; others feel a bit forced or overly somber. Worth searching "everlasting arms hymn folk cover". |
| Congregational Singing (Various Churches) | Traditional Hymn | YouTube | Hearing it sung as intended - by a group! | Raw, real. Tempo often slower than professional recordings. Shows the hymn's enduring power in community. |
Pro tip: Searching "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" usually yields better results than just "Everlasting Arms hymn lyrics" when looking for music. Those lyrics are powerful, but the title is the key for finding tunes.
Singing It Right? Copyright and Public Domain Status
This is crucial if you plan to use the hymn beyond personal singing in your shower! Here’s the lowdown:
- Original Words & Music: Both Hoffman's lyrics and Showalter's music were published in 1887. In the United States (and most countries following similar rules), anything published before 1928 is firmly in the public domain. This means the original song itself is free for anyone to use, print, record, and perform without needing permission or paying royalties. Huge relief!
- BUT... Arrangements Matter: Here's the catch. While the *original* tune and words are free, if someone creates a *new arrangement* (a fancy piano accompaniment, a modern choral setting, a unique orchestration), *that specific arrangement* might be copyrighted. You'd need permission to reproduce that sheet music or record that specific version.
- Recording Copyrights: A specific recording of the hymn (like Alan Jackson's version) is copyrighted by the artist/label. You need a license to use that *exact recording* publicly (e.g., in a video, podcast, or church slideshow). You generally don't need a license to play the CD or stream it privately.
- Church Performance: Performing the hymn live in a worship service using the original tune is perfectly fine under public domain. No license needed. Even if your pianist uses a simple arrangement they made up themselves. Phew.
- Printing Lyrics in a Bulletin: Reprinting the original public domain lyrics in your church bulletin or for a small group study? Also fine. No need to cite copyright, though giving credit ("Text: Elisha A. Hoffman, 1887") is always a nice gesture.
Bottom Line on Copyright: Stick to the original 1887 words and melody (like you'd find on Hymnary.org), and you're almost always safe for personal and congregational use. When in doubt about a specific arrangement or recording, double-check the source or consult a licensing organization like CCLI (for churches) if projecting lyrics.
Why This Hymn Still Grabs Us: More Than Just Lyrics
It's not rocket science, really. The Everlasting Arms hymn lyrics tackle something universal: the need for security in a scary world. "Safe and secure from all alarms"? Who doesn't crave that feeling, especially now? It doesn't promise the alarms disappear. It promises something steady underneath them.
That image – "everlasting arms" – is pure tactile comfort. It's not abstract theology. It's being held. Supported. The repetition of "leaning" drives it home. It's an active posture of trust, not passive waiting. You lean *on* something solid. That resonates deep.
Honestly? Some hymns feel dated, forced. This one doesn't. Its strength is its sheer simplicity and emotional punch. It bypasses the head and goes straight for the heart. That's why you still hear it at funerals, in hospitals, during personal crises. It’s bedrock.
Everlasting Arms Hymn Lyrics FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Let's tackle those specific things people google when digging into this hymn:
Q: What are the full lyrics to "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms"?
A: Scroll up! We've provided the most widely accepted three verses and refrain above, based on original publications and major hymnals. That's your definitive source.
Q: Is "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" copyrighted? Can I use it?
A: Generally, YES you can freely use the *original* 1887 words and music (public domain). BUT, watch out for copyrighted *arrangements* or specific *recordings*. Print the original lyrics? Fine. Sing it in church? Fine. Use Alan Jackson's recording in a video? Need permission/license.
Q: Where can I find free sheet music for "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms"?
A: Check Hymnary.org (scanned hymnal pages), HymnTime.com (basic melody/lyrics), or ChoralWiki (CPDL) (for choir arrangements, check copyright status of the arrangement itself).
Q: What Bible verse is "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" based on?
A: Primarily Deuteronomy 33:27: "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." (NIV) That's the direct inspiration for the core image.
Q: Why do some versions have different words (like "Resting" instead of "Leaning")?
A: Over time, people sometimes sing what feels natural or misremember. Occasionally, hymnal editors made slight changes. However, "Leaning" is unquestionably the original and dominant verb used by Elisha Hoffman throughout the hymn. "Resting" is a common but less accurate substitution.
Q: Who wrote "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms"?
A: The lyrics were penned by Elisha A. Hoffman (1839-1929), a prolific hymn writer and Presbyterian minister. The music was composed by Anthony J. Showalter (1858-1924), a music teacher and publisher. They collaborated specifically on this hymn in 1887.
Q: Are there any good modern recordings of the hymn?
A: Yes! Alan Jackson's version on "Precious Memories" is highly regarded for its traditional feel. Many Southern Gospel groups perform it energetically. You can also find beautiful, quieter folk/acoustic covers by searching online. See our recording table above for details.
Q: What's the story behind the hymn "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms"?
A: The story goes that Anthony Showalter received letters from two former students whose wives had recently died. He was struck by the grief and wrote back, quoting Deuteronomy 33:27. Seeing the power in that verse about "everlasting arms," he shared it with his friend Elisha Hoffman, suggesting it as a hymn theme. Hoffman then wrote the now-famous lyrics based directly on that scripture and concept.
Putting It All Together: Your Everlasting Arms Toolkit
So, you needed the Everlasting Arms hymn lyrics? Now you've got them – the definitive version, plus the why, the how, and the wherefores. Remember:
- Stick to the three core verses and refrain for authenticity.
- Embrace "Leaning" – it's the powerful original verb.
- Use Hymnary.org or HymnTime for reliable, free sheet music of the original.
- Alan Jackson is a solid bet for a true-to-form recording.
- Breathe easy knowing the original is public domain for most personal and worship uses.
This hymn’s lasted over 130 years for a reason. It speaks to a deep, unchanging need. Next time you sing those Everlasting Arms hymn lyrics, maybe you'll lean a little harder, knowing the arms beneath you really are everlasting.
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