HYMN #1188 SSS #1188 • SS&S Meter: P.M. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #1188: If I were a voice

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

If I were a voice, a persuasive voice,
That could travel the wide world through,
I would fly on the beams of the morning light,
And speak to men with a gentle might,
And tell them to be true.
I would fly, I would fly over land and sea,
Wherever a human heart might be,
Telling a tale, or singing a song,
In praise of the right and in blame of the wrong:
I would fly, I would fly,
I would fly over land and sea.

If I were a voice, a consoling voice,
I would fly on the wings of the air;
The homes of sorrow and guilt I’d seek,
And calm and truthful words I’d speak,
To save them from despair.
I would fly, I would fly o’er the crowded town,
And drop like the happy sunlight down
Into the hearts of suffering men,
And teach them to look up again:
I would fly, I would fly,
I would fly o’er the crowded town.

If I were a voice, a convincing voice,
I would travel with the wind,
And wherever I saw the nations torn
By warfare, jealousy, spite or scorn,
Or hatred of their kind,
I would fly, I would fly on the thundercrash,
And into their blinded bosoms flash:
Then with their evil thoughts subdued,
I’d teach them Christian brotherhood:
I would fly, I would fly,
I would fly on the thunder-crash.

If I were a voice, an immortal voice,
I would fly the earth around;
And wherever man to his idols bowed,
I’d publish in notes both long and loud
The Gospel’s joyful sound.
I would fly, I would fly on the wings of day,
Proclaiming peace on my world-wide way,
Bidding the saddened earth rejoice —
If I were a voice, an immortal voice,
I would fly, I would fly,
I would fly on the wings of day.

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "If I were a voice"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #1188 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 4 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: P.M.
Stanza Structure: 4 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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