His Eye is on the Sparrow

This is a Gospel-style hymn about Jesus' love for each person. It was inspired by two texts: Matthew 6:26 and Matthew 10:29–31.

The words were written by 1905 by Canadian-American at-the-time Baptist music teacher and hymn-writer, Civilla Durfee Martin (1866-1948).

The tune, with meter 13.13.13.13.13.13.13, was composed by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel (1856-1932), specifically for this text.

Downloads

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Arranged by John Brimhall scored for Easy piano/vocal

Downloadable sheet music - leadsheet with words, melody and chords, Key of D for a C Instrument; 1 page

PowerPoint slides

Examples

Solo singer with light backing

Gospel choir, with keyboard backing

Lyrics

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Chorus:
I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.