1. I'm pressing on the upward way, New heights I'm gaining ev'ry day Still praying as I'm onward bound, "Lord, plant my feet on higher ground." 2. My heart has no desire to stay Where doubts arise and fears dismay; Tho some may dwell where these abound, My pray'r, my aim, is higher ground. 3. I want to live above the world, Tho Satan's darts at me are hurled; For faith has caught the joyful sound, The song of saints on higher ground. 4. I want to scale the utmost height And catch a gleam of glory bright; But still I'll pray till heav'n I've found, "Lord, lead me on to higher ground." Chorus: Lord, lift me up and let me stand By faith on heaven's tableland; A higher plane than I have found Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
Lyrics:
Johnson Oatman, Jr.
Music:
Charles Hutchinson Gabriel
Tune: HIGHER GROUND
Meter: L.M. with Refrain
Johnson Oatman Jr., 1856–1922
The author of this text, Johnson Oatman, Jr., was a businessman who wrote about 3,000 gospel songs in his leisure time. Oatman was ordained by the Methodist Episcopal denomination, but never pastored a church. His hymns were popular, but he was never paid more than $1.00 for any of his texts. “Higher Ground” was first published in 1898.
The music for “Higher Ground” was composed by Charles H. Gabriel, music editor of the Rodeheaver Publishing Company. He wrote the music and sometimes the texts for more than 8,000 gospel songs, many of which were especially popular in the Billy Sunday-Homer Rodeheaver campaigns from 1910–1920. This song was used often in the great camp meetings of this era and the singing of it would often bring forth shouts of “Glory, hallelujah!”