JESUS LOVES ME, THIS I KNOW

        The children’s song, "Jesus Loves Me", is universally known and loved because it states the simple and profound central truth of God’s love in the Christian faith. The lyrics and melody of this hymn are sung by children and adults of all ages and are included in dozens of published hymn and song compilations.

        The lyrics of "Jesus Loves Me" were originally written in 1860 by Anna Bartlett Warner as part of a story meant to comfort a dying child. Anna’s sister, author Susan Bogart Warner, included the song in her two-volume set, Say and Seal, which became best-sellers in their day. Today these volumes are available online and usually offered free in E-Book format.

        In 1861, Anna’s poem was given its familiar melody by William B. Bradbury, who added the chorus and published it as a part of his hymnal collection, The Golden Sower. In the Twentieth Century, several verses known as the “Senior Citizens Version”, were added. Because they vary greatly, these verses are credited to no single author.

        William J. Niebuhr, lifelong Lutheran church musician and my brother-in-law, loved this hymn and wrote settings of it for adult and children choirs. It was sung, including the Senior Verses, at his memorial service in 2001.

“JESUS LOVES ME” (Bradbury’s original hymn verses)

1. Jesus loves me— this I know, For the Bible tells me so;
    Little ones to Him belong— They are weak, but He is strong.
            (Refrain) Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
            Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.

2. Jesus loves me—He who died Heaven’s gate to open wide;
    He will wash away my sin, Let His little child come in. (Refrain)

3. Jesus loves me—loves me still, Though I’m very weak and ill;
    From His shining throne on high Comes to watch me where I lie. (Refrain)

4. Jesus loves me—He will stay Close beside me all the way,
    Then His little child will take Up to Heaven for His dear sake (Refrain)

    (added “Senior Verses”)

5. Jesus loves me, this I know, Though my hair is white as snow
    Though my sight is growing dim, Still He bids me trust in Him. (Refrain)

6. Though my steps are oh, so slow, With my hand in His I'll go.
    On through life, let come what may, He'll be there to lead the way. (Refrain)

7. When the nights are dark and long, In my heart He puts a song,
    Telling me in words so clear, "Have no fear, for I am near." (Refrain)

8. When my work on earth is done, And life's victories have been won.
    He will take me home above, Then I'll understand His love. (Refrain)