Introduction
Mahalia Jackson is an iconic gospel singer from New Orleans, Louisiana. She is known for her powerful voice and her ability to move people with her music. One of her most famous songs is “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” which has become a staple of gospel music. In this article, we will explore the lyrics of this powerful song and what they mean.
Verse 1
The first verse of “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” begins with a plea to the Lord to take the singer’s hand and lead them through the trials and tribulations of life. The lyrics read:
Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I’m tired, I’m weak, I’m lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand, precious Lord
Lead me home
These lyrics express a deep sense of weariness and longing for guidance. The singer is tired and weak, and they are seeking comfort and support from the Lord. The storm and the night represent the difficulties and challenges of life, and the singer is asking the Lord to lead them through these hardships and into the light.
Chorus
The chorus of “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” is a repetition of the opening lines of the song, with a few slight variations. The lyrics read:
Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I’m tired, I’m weak, I’m lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand, precious Lord
Lead me home
The repetition of these lyrics reinforces the singer’s plea for guidance and support. The use of the word “precious” emphasizes the importance of the Lord’s presence in the singer’s life, and the repetition of the phrase “lead me on” underscores the singer’s need for direction and guidance.
Verse 2
The second verse of “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” continues the theme of the first verse, with the singer expressing their weariness and their desire for the Lord’s presence in their life. The lyrics read:
When my way grows drear
Precious Lord, linger near
When my life is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand, precious Lord
Lead me home
In these lyrics, the singer acknowledges that life can be difficult and that they need the Lord to be near to them during these challenging times. The phrase “when my life is almost gone” suggests that the singer is facing mortality, and they are asking the Lord to be with them as they navigate this difficult time.
Verse 3
The third and final verse of “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” is a prayer for the Lord’s presence in the singer’s life. The lyrics read:
When the darkness appears
And the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet, hold my hand
Take my hand, precious Lord
Lead me home
In these lyrics, the singer is asking the Lord to be with them as they face the end of their life. The phrase “at the river I stand” is a reference to the River Jordan, which represents the boundary between life and death in Christian theology. The singer is asking the Lord to guide them through this final journey and to lead them home.
Conclusion
“Precious Lord, Take My Hand” is a powerful and moving hymn that has become a staple of gospel music. The lyrics express a deep sense of weariness and longing for guidance, as well as a profound faith in the Lord’s presence in our lives. Mahalia Jackson’s stirring rendition of this song has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world, and its message of hope and faith continues to resonate today.
Related video of Mahalia Jackson Precious Lord Take My Hand Lyrics
https://youtube.com/watch?v=as1rsZenwNc
