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HYMN #1151 SSS #1151 • SS&S Meter: 9.8. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #1151: You're starting, my boy

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Sacred Songs & Solos

1
You’re starting, my boy, on life’s journey,
Along the grand highway of life;
You’ll meet with a thousand temptations —
Each city with evil is rife.
This world is a stage of excitement,
There’s danger wherever you go;
But if you are tempted in weakness,
Have courage, my boy, to say No!
Have courage, my boy, to say No! . .
Have courage, my boy, to say No! . .
Have courage, my boy, have courage, my boy,
Have courage, my boy, to say No!
2
In courage, my boy, lies your safety,
When you the long journey begin;
Your trust in a heavenly Father
Will keep you unspotted from sin.
Temptations will go on increasing,
As streams from a rivulet flow;
But if you’d be true to your manhood,
Have courage, my boy, to say No!
3
Be careful in choosing companions:
Seek only the brave and the true;
And stand by your friends when in trial
Ne’er changing the old for the new.
And when by false friends you are tempted
The taste of the wine-cup to know,
With firmness, with patience, and kindness,
Have courage, my boy, to say No!
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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "You're starting, my boy"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #1151 in Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200 Hymns), compiled by the American gospel singer and hymnologist Ira David Sankey (1840–1908).

Sankey popularized these sacred songs during the transatlantic evangelistic campaigns led alongside Dwight L. Moody between 1873 and 1903. The compilation became one of the most widely printed hymnals in Christendom, cherished by Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Pentecostal congregations throughout the world.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 3 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

  • Poetic Meter: 9.8.
  • Stanza Structure: 3 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
  • Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
  • Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship
⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.
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