Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling

This is a hymn about repentance, which is often used at funerals.

It was written by American musician, composer, music publisher and later retailer, Will Lamartine Thompson (1847-1909).

With meter 11.7.11.7 with refrain, it is almost always set to the tune which Thompson wrote for the text, which is sometimes called THOMPSON (Thompson).

Downloads

This section may contain affiliate links: I earn from qualifying purchases on these. Free downloads are provided where possible (eg for public domain items).

PowerPoint slides

Downloadable arrangement by Brenda Portman for SATB chorus+piano. 12 pages

Downloadable digital sheet music for Piano/Vocal/Guitar, 3 pages

Examples

Small group with gentle guitar backing - professional recording, lyrics on-screen:

Singer with backing band, professional recording:

Choir with organ, professional recording:

Choir with orchestra:

Congregation, unaccompanied:

Instrumental - piano with lyrics on-screen:

Lyrics

1 Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
calling for you and for me;
see, on the portals he's waiting and watching,
watching for you and for me.

Chorus:
Come home, come home;
you who are weary come home;
earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, O sinner, come home!

2 Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not his mercies,
mercies for you and for me?

3 Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
passing from you and from me;
shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
coming for you and for me.

4 O for the wonderful love he has promised,
promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, he has mercy and pardon,
pardon for you and for me.