Come Thou Fount Lyrics
| Words: | Robert Robinson |
|---|---|
| Music: | traditional |
| Key: | D major |
| Time Sig: | 3/4 |
| Tempo: | 86 | mid tempo |
| Tune: | NETTLETON |
| Meter: | 8.7.8.7.D. |
| CCLI #: | 5252996 |
| Verse: | John 4:13-14 |
verse 1 Come, thou Fount of every blessing; Tune my heart to sing thy grace; Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet, Sung by flaming tongues above; Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, Mount of Thy redeeming love! verse 2 Here I raise my Ebenezer; Hither by Thy help I’ve come; And I hope, by Thy good pleasure, Safely to arrive at home. Jesus sought me when a stranger, Wandering from the fold of God; He, to rescue me from danger, Interposed His precious blood. verse 3 Oh, to grace how great a debtor Daily I'm constrained to be! Let thy grace, Lord, like a fetter, Bind my wand'ring heart to Thee: Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love. Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love. Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above. Words by Robert Robinson. Music: traditional American melody. HymnCharts.com CCLI #5252996
Come Thou Fount: A Hymn of Divine Grace and Human Frailty
“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” stands as a timeless “Ebenezer” to God’s unfailing grace and humanity’s constant need for divine guidance. Penned by Robert Robinson in 1758, this classic hymn continues to touch hearts with its honest portrayal of the Christian journey and its celebration of God’s steadfast love.
The Origins of a Spiritual Classic
Robinson’s own turbulent path to faith deeply influenced the creation of “Come Thou Fount.” As a young man, he lived a wayward life until a powerful encounter with the preaching of George Whitefield led to his conversion at age 20. Just two years later, drawing from his personal experience of redemption, Robinson crafted this hymn that beautifully intertwines praise for God’s mercy with an acknowledgment of human weakness.
Biblical Roots and Poetic Imagery
The hymn’s lyrics are richly steeped in biblical imagery. The phrase “Here I raise my Ebenezer” references 1 Samuel 7:12, where Samuel erects a stone of remembrance, symbolizing God’s faithful help. Robinson’s poetic prowess shines as he employs vivid metaphors like “streams of mercy, never ceasing” to depict God’s endless grace, and “prone to wander, Lord, I feel it” to express the universal struggle with temptation.
A Melody That Lifts the Soul
While Robinson penned the lyrics, the tune most commonly associated with “Come Thou Fount” is “Nettleton,” named after evangelist Asahel Nettleton. This memorable melody, with its flowing contours and simple yet effective harmonic structure, perfectly complements the hymn’s themes of longing and gratitude. The tune’s folk-like quality adds to its enduring appeal across various musical styles and generations.
Resonance Across Centuries
“Come Thou Fount” has found a home in countless hymnals and worship services, bridging denominational divides. Its honest portrayal of the Christian walk – celebrating God’s grace while acknowledging human frailty – continues to resonate with believers today. Modern worship leaders and artists frequently adapt and reinterpret the hymn, proof of its timeless message and musical versatility.
A Personal Journey of Faith
As you sing or reflect on “Come Thou Fount,” let its words guide you in your own spiritual journey. Allow the hymn to remind you of God’s unceasing mercy and to inspire gratitude for His grace. May it encourage you, as it has countless others, to continually seek the Lord who is the true fount of every blessing, and to echo Robinson’s heartfelt prayer:
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here’s my heart, Lord, take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above.
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