Indexes for The Sacred Harp, 2025 Edition
410t The Dying Californian
Words: Kate Harris, 1850
Music: Arr. and alto Howard Denson, 1935, from R. F. Ball and Drinkard, 1859
Meter: 8s & 7s.
Copyright: 1936 Sacred Harp Publishing Company
Lay up nearer, brother, nearer,
For my limbs are growing cold;
And thy presence seemeth nearer,
When thine arms around me fold.
I am dying, brother, dying;
Soon you’ll miss me in your berth,
For my form will soon be lying
’Neath the ocean’s briny surf.
I am going, brother, going,
But my hope in God is strong;
I am willing, brother, knowing
That He doeth nothing wrong.
Hark! I hear the Savior speaking,
’Tis, I know His voice so well;
When I’m gone, O don’t be weeping,
Brother, hear my last farewell.
For my limbs are growing cold;
And thy presence seemeth nearer,
When thine arms around me fold.
I am dying, brother, dying;
Soon you’ll miss me in your berth,
For my form will soon be lying
’Neath the ocean’s briny surf.
I am going, brother, going,
But my hope in God is strong;
I am willing, brother, knowing
That He doeth nothing wrong.
Hark! I hear the Savior speaking,
’Tis, I know His voice so well;
When I’m gone, O don’t be weeping,
Brother, hear my last farewell.