1. Safe in the arms of Jesus, Safe on His gentle breast, There by His love o'ershaded, Sweetly my soul shall rest. Hark! 'tis the voice of angels, Borne in a song to me, Over the fields of glory, Over the jasper sea. 2. Safe in the arms of Jesus, Safe from corroding care, Safe from the world's temptations, Sin cannot harm me there. Free from the blight of sorrow, Free from my doubts and fears; Only a few more trials, Only a few more tears. 3. Jesus, my heart's dear refuge, Jesus has died for me; Firm on the Rock of Ages, Ever my trust shall be. Here let me wait with patience, Wait till the night is o'er; Wait till I see the morning Break on the golden shore. Chorus: Safe in the arms of Jesus, Safe on His gentle breast, There by His love o'ershaded, Sweetly my soul shall rest.
Lyrics: Frances Jane
(Fanny J.) Crosby
Music: William Howard Doane
Tune: SAFE IN THE ARMS OF JESUS
Fanny J. Crosby (1820–1915)
During Fanny Crosby’s lifetime, this song was one of her most popular hymns. She stated that it was written for people who had lost loved ones, particularly mothers who had lost children.
In 1868, Howard Doane came to Fanny’s apartment in New York City with a tune that for which he wanted her to write lyrics. He was scheduled to catch a train and he had less than an hour to spend at her apartment. Fanny listened to the melody and then retreated to another room, where she prayed that God would give her the inspiration to quickly write lyrics for the song. She was able to complete the hymn in her mind and then recite it to Doane in less than thirty minutes.