If I Have Wounded Any Soul Today – Sheet Music

If I Have Wounded Any Soul Today – Sheet Music

Introduction

If I Have Wounded Any Soul Today is a beautiful Christian hymn that has been a favorite of both congregations and soloists for many years. The lyrics are by Fanny J. Crosby, one of the most prolific hymn writers of the 19th century, and the music is by William H. Doane, a well-known composer and musician of his day. This piece is perfect for both church services and personal devotion time.

History of the Song

This hymn was written in 1858 by English writer and editor John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-92) as a poem entitled “Lines Written on the Fly-Leaf of a repeating Hymn-Book.” It appeared in his collection, The Panorama, and other Poems (1858), under the heading “Hymns of the Silent Hours.” It is unknown to what, if any, particular event Whittier was referring in the poem.

The hymn first appeared in print as a hymn in the 1865 edition of Canticles for Christian Worship compiled by William Batchelder Greene (1796-1867). Greene was a Universalist Church minister who later served as chaplain of Harvard University. The first two lines of each stanza were set to the melody OLD HUNDREDTH, also known as PSALM 100 and LANARK, composed by Louis Bourgeois (1510-1559). This melody is sometimes attributed to Genevan Psalter composer Claude Goudimel (c. 1514-1572), but there is no extant evidence that Goudimel composed it.

The hymn quickly became popular among Christians of various denominations and continues to be sung today.

Lyrics of the Song

If I have wounded any soul today,
If I have caused one heart to bleed,
If I have helped unto despair
The hand of him who had agreed
To try to walk life’s narrow way
With me and be my brother still,
Then must I sorrow unconfined,
And bitter tears of anguish fill
The cup of woe that circular runs,
Till by the path of suffering
Comes wisdom and the love divine.

The Music of the Song

“If I Have Wounded Any Soul Today” is a Christian hymn with words written by Horatius Bonar and music composed by Anna Laetitia Waring. The hymn first appeared in Hymns and Songs for Social Worship, published in 1859.

The song is often sung as a lullaby, and its lyrics express regret for any wrong that the singer may have done during the day. The melody is simple and calming, making it a suitable choice for moments of introspection or prayer.

The lyrics of “If I Have Wounded Any Soul Today” are as follows:

If I have wounded any soul today,
By word or deed or thoughtless look,
Forgive me, Lord; let me make amends
Ere day’s end comes or nightfall takes its toll.

The Significance of the Song

The song “If I Have Wounded Any Soul Today” was written by English poet, hymn writer, and Methodist minister Charles Wesley. The song is a prayer for forgiveness and marks a turning point in Wesley’s religious beliefs. Wesley had been struggling with his faith for years and this song marked his decision to fully commit to Christianity. The lyrics of the song express Wesley’s remorse for any hurt he may have caused people through his words or actions. He asks for forgiveness and pledges to do better in the future.

The melody of the song is simple and haunting, and the lyrics are powerful and moving. “If I Have Wounded Any Soul Today” is a beautiful reminder of the importance of forgiveness, both for others and for ourselves.

The Message of the Song

“If I Have Wounded Any Soul Today” is a song that was written in 1923 by Rev. J. C. Bartlett. The song came about as a result of an incident that happened while Bartlett was a minister in England. Bartlett had been asked to speak at a church service, and during his sermon, he made a comment that offended someone in the congregation.

After the service, the person who was offended came to speak with Bartlett and told him how hurtful his words had been. Bartlett was deeply sorry for what he had said and he immediately sat down and wrote this song as an apology. The song is very simple, but it is based on a scripture verse from the Bible, Matthew 5:23-24, which says, “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”

This song has been recorded by many different artists over the years, including Mahalia Jackson, Cliff Richard, Diana Ross, Johnny Mathis, and Amy Grant. It is a beautiful reminder of the importance of always being willing to humble ourselves and apologize when we have hurt someone else.