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Writer Thomas Dorsey said that he had heard Blind Connie Williams sing his version of this song with "Precious Lord" and used it as inspiration. Dorsey wrote "Precious Lord" in response to his inconsolable bereavement at the death of his wife, Nettie Harper, in childbirth, and his infant son in August 1932. The song is published in more than 40 languages. It was Martin Luther King Jr.'s favorite song, and he often invited gospel singer Mahalia Jackson to sing it at civil rights rallies to inspire crowds; at his request she sang it at his funeral in April 1968. Aretha Franklin sang it at Mahalia Jackson's funeral in 1972. Many other notable musicians have recorded this song, including: Selah Jubilee Singers (1938), The Soul Stirrers (1939), Sister Rosetta Tharpe (1941), The Blind Boys Of Alabama (1954), Little Jimmy Dickens (1954), Elvis Presley (1957), Al Green (1982).
It was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame in 2007, and was also included in the list of Songs of the Century, by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts.

lyrics

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When my way grows drear
Precious Lord linger near
When my light is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When the darkness appears
And the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet, hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

credits

from Songs of Loss and Hope (Songs from a Pandemic), released September 13, 2020
Words: Thomas A. Dorsey, 1932; Music: Credited to Dorsey, drawn extensively from the 1844 hymn tune, “Maitland” (Public Domain)
Lead Vocals: Zoe Ellis
Background Vocals: Eric Gilbert

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Christ Church Berkeley, California

Christ Church exists to lead people into a deeper relationship
with Christ and His Church through community and for the city. We are located in Berkeley, CA.

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