Let It Breathe on Me

This is a short worship song, invoking the Holy Spirit. It is sometimes sung only as a chorus, while others include two verses.

It was written by American Protestant church musician, classically trained singer, composer, soloist and gospel-choir innovator, Magnolia Lewis-Butts (1880-1949) - (1).

The song was first published in 1942. In the USA, copyright was renewed in 1969, by Martin & Morris Music, Inc. This may mean that the song is copyright the USA, but not in some countries where materials are copyright for a fixed number of years after the author's death.

Hymn-books where it has been published in include:

New Century Hymnal 288
United Methodist Hymnal
Chalice Hymnal, 1995
African American Heritage Hymnal
The New National Baptist Hymnal, 1977 and 2020
Songs of Zion (ref)

and these are the best sources of sheet music for the song.

Sources

(1) - https://joyfulnoisepress.com/uncategorized/magnolia-lewis-butts/

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

Examples

Chorus - live-event recording:

Choir with piano, professional recording:

Classical-style singer wtih piano - with words on screen, including verses

Singer with piano:

Instrumental - wind-instrument, words on-screen:

Instrumental - organ:

Lyrics

Chorus:

Let it breathe on me, Let it breathe on me.

Let the breath of God now breathe on me;

Let it breathe on me, Let it breathe on me,

Let the breath of God now breathe on me.

While I’m working Lord in your vineyard here,
I can do naught if thou aren’t near.

When the pathway Lord I cannot see,
When the way is dark, Lord, breathe on me.