He Brought Me Out Lyrics
Henry J. Zelley, 1898
Tune Name: HE BROUGHT ME OUT
Composer: Henry L. Gilmour
Meter: Irregular with Refrain
Hymnbook Source: Gospel hymnals
Verse 1
My heart was distressed ‘neath Jehovah’s dread frown,
And low in the pit where my sins dragged me down;
I cried to the Lord from the deep miry clay,
Who tenderly brought me out to golden day.
Chorus
He brought me out of the miry clay,
He set my feet on the Rock to stay;
He puts a song in my soul today,
A song of praise, hallelujah!
Verse 2
He placed me upon the strong Rock by His side,
My steps were established and here I’ll abide;
No danger of falling while here I remain,
But stand by His grace until the crown I gain.
Chorus
He brought me out of the miry clay,
He set my feet on the Rock to stay;
He puts a song in my soul today,
A song of praise, hallelujah!
Verse 3
He gave me a song, ’twas a new song of praise;
By day and by night its sweet notes I will raise;
My heart’s overflowing, I’m happy and free.
I’ll praise my Redeemer, Who has rescued me.
Chorus
He brought me out of the miry clay,
He set my feet on the Rock to stay;
He puts a song in my soul today,
A song of praise, hallelujah!
Verse 4
I’ll sing of His wonderful mercy to me,
I’ll praise Him till all men His goodness shall see;
I’ll sing of salvation at home and abroad,
Till many shall hear the truth and trust in God.
Chorus
He brought me out of the miry clay,
He set my feet on the Rock to stay;
He puts a song in my soul today,
A song of praise, hallelujah!
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | He Brought Me Out |
| Author / Lyricist | Unknown (African-American spiritual) |
| Composer / Tune | Traditional |
| Date Written / Published | 19th century |
| Historical Context | Composed by enslaved African-Americans; celebrates liberation and God’s deliverance. |
| Theme / Message | God’s deliverance and faithfulness. |
| Notable Features | Call-and-response style; emotive and rhythmic suitable for group singing. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Popular in revival services and spiritual gatherings; part of African-American spiritual heritage. |
| Source / Scholarship | Slave Songs of the United States – William A. Allen et al.; African-American Spirituals – Eileen Southern |
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis on This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Praised for its testimonial style depicting God’s deliverance and care, aligning with evangelical devotional practice. |
| Isaac Watts, English Hymn Writer & Theologian, 1674–1748 | Watts songs and other writings on God’s deliverance and providence illustrate concepts central to this hymn. |
| Philip Doddridge, Nonconformist Minister & Hymn Writer, 1702–1751 | He emphasizes reliance on God’s saving power and divine protection, reflecting the hymn’s themes. |
| John Newton, Anglican Clergyman & Hymn Writer, 1725–1807 | Newton's focus on God’s guidance and rescue in his devotional works aligns with the hymn’s concept of divine deliverance. |
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Like Wesley's Hymns on salvation and triumph through God’s grace, this hymn conveys similar motifs. |
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