About The Song
In the vast tapestry of American music, few threads are as strong and resilient as the hymns and gospel songs that have echoed through generations. These melodies, imbued with faith and hope, have provided solace in times of trouble and joy in moments of celebration. Among these timeless treasures, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” stands as a beacon of unwavering comfort and spiritual kinship. And when this beloved hymn is sung by The Oak Ridge Boys, a group whose harmonies have resonated with audiences for decades, it takes on a special resonance, a blend of tradition and innovation that captivates the heart and soul.
The Oak Ridge Boys, with their distinctive blend of country and gospel, have a unique ability to infuse their music with both reverence and warmth. Their rendition of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” is a testament to this gift. It’s not merely a performance; it’s an invitation to share in a moment of collective reflection, a reminder of the enduring power of faith and the comfort found in spiritual companionship.
The song itself has a rich history, penned by Joseph M. Scriven in 1855 as a letter to his mother in Ireland. Scriven, an Irish immigrant living in Canada, had experienced a series of personal tragedies, including the loss of his fiancée just before their wedding. Yet, amidst this sorrow, he found solace in his faith, expressing his unwavering belief in the power of prayer and the presence of a divine friend who understands our deepest sorrows.
Scriven’s words, set to music by Charles Crozat Converse in 1870, have since become a cornerstone of Christian hymnody. The simple yet profound message of the song – that we have a friend in Jesus who bears our griefs and carries our sorrows – has resonated with countless individuals across cultures and generations.
The Oak Ridge Boys, in their interpretation, bring a unique blend of reverence and musical artistry to this timeless hymn. Their voices, rich with experience and imbued with a deep understanding of the song’s message, lend a special poignancy to the lyrics. It’s not just a song; it’s a conversation, a shared moment of reflection on the enduring power of faith and the comfort found in spiritual companionship.
For those who have walked the path of life’s joys and sorrows, The Oak Ridge Boys’ rendition of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” is a reminder of the steadfast presence of a higher power, a source of strength and comfort in times of need. It’s a musical embrace, a gentle reminder that we are not alone in our struggles, and that there is always a friend to whom we can turn in prayer.
The Oak Ridge Boys’ performance of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” is more than just a musical piece; it’s an experience. It’s a journey into the heart of a timeless hymn, a moment of reflection on the enduring power of faith, and a celebration of the comfort found in spiritual companionship. It’s a gift to be cherished, a reminder of the enduring power of music to touch our hearts and souls.
Video
Lyric
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
What a friend we have in JesusAll our sins and griefs to bearWhat a privilege to carryEverything to God in prayerOh what peace we often forfeitOh what needless pain we bearAll because we do not carryEverything to God in prayerHave we trials and temptationsIs there trouble anywhereNow we should never be discouragedTake it to the Lord in prayerCan we find a friend so faithfulWho will all our sorrows shareJesus knows our every weaknessTake it to the Lord in prayerAre we weak and heavy ladenCumbered with a load of carePrecious Savior still our refugeTake it to the Lord in prayerDo thy friends despise, forsake theeTake it to the Lord in prayerIn His arms He’ll take and shield theeThou wilt find a solace there