The author is unknown.
The phrase "O please do not think I am bold" suggests that it is of Irish origin, and this blog-post also links it to Ireland.
It is referred to in the cover-notes of this CD, by a person raised in Australia, who was born in 1931, and therefore likely to have been making first communion in 1937/38.
A setting to a an unnamed tune, attributed to "R. F. M." was published by McLaughlin & Reilly Co of Boston USA, copyright in 1937 - but it does not appear to have been included in the Pius X Hymnal or other hymnals from the same publishers, and no evidence has been found of the copyright being renewed. The appearance in Australia at the same time suggests that the words, at least were written earlier than this.
Another setting, this time with the tune attributed to "NAJ" and to the text to Sr Myra CSJ has also been located. This appears to be to a similar tune, but with some differences in the timing - or perhaps it is even the same tune, but better notated.
Downloads
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Examples
A recording of the version by Sr Myra can be heard on this website
Singer and chorus with keyboard and rhythm:
Lyrics
Traditional
Thou hast come to my heart, dearest Jesus,I am holding Thee close to my breast;
I'm telling Thee over and over,
Thou art welcome, O Little White Guest.
I love Thee, I love Thee, my Jesus,
O please do not think I am bold;
Of course, Thou must knowest that I love Thee,
But I'm sure that Thou likest to be told.
And now Thou hast come, dearest Jesus,
To nestle so close to my breast,
I whisper, “ I love Thee, my Jesus”
Thou art welcome, O little White Guest.
I'll whisper, "I love Thee, my Jesus,"
And ask that we never may part;
I love Thee, O kind, Loving Jesus
And press Thee still nearer my heart.
And when I shall meet Thee in Heaven,
My soul then will lean on Thy Breast.
And Thou will recallest our fond meetings,
When Thou wert my little White Guest.
Modern English
You have come to my heart, dearest Jesus,I am holding You close to my breast;
I'm telling You over and over,
You are welcome, Little White Guest.
I love You, I love You, my Jesus,
O please do not think I am bold;
Of course, You must know that I love You,
But I am sure that you like to be told.
And now that You’ve come, dearest Jesus,
To nestle so close to my breast,
I whisper, “ I love You, my Jesus”
You are welcome, O little White Guest.
I'll whisper, "I love You, my Jesus,"
And ask that we never may part;
I love You, O kind, loving Jesus
And press You still nearer my heart.
And when I shall meet You in Heaven,
My soul then will lean on Your breast;
And You will recall our fond meetings,
When You were my Little White Guest.
Thank you Thank You!
ReplyDeleteI have been looking for the music to this song for over 20 years. My mother wanted it played at her funeral and no one had the music. I don't read music so I am not sure what version is closest to the one my mother sang but I will get the organist at my church to play both. Thank you so much!!! By the way my mother's father was of Irish descent to think it might be Irish origins is even more special!
I often think of this beautiful hymn which we sang at our 1st Holy Communion at the Most Holy Redeemer Church in the city of Boston so many years ago!!!
ReplyDeleteHaving the entire lyrics makes me
I remember this hymn when I made my first communion
ReplyDeleteI rememver this song in my first communion in school.
ReplyDelete