HYMN #1197 SSS #1197 • SS&S Meter: P.M. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #1197: As I wandered round

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

1

As I wandered round the homestead,
Many a dear familiar spot
Brought within my recollection
Scenes I’d seemingly forgot;
There, the orchard—meadow, yonder—
Here, the deep, old-fashioned well,
With its old moss-covered bucket,
Sent a thrill no tongue can tell.

2

Though the house was held by strangers,
All remained the same within;
Just as when a child I rambled
Up and down, and out and in;
To the garret dark ascending—
Once a source of childish dread—
Peering through the misty cobwebs,
Lo! I saw my cradle bed.

3

Quick I drew it from the rubbish
Covered o’er with dust so long:
When, behold, I heard in fancy
Strains of one familiar song,
Often sung by my dear mother
To me in that cradle bed:
"Hush, my dear, lie still and slumber!
Holy angels guard thy bed!"

4

While I listen to the music
Stealing on in gentle strain,
I am carried back to childhood —
I am now a child again:
’Tis the hour of my retiring,
At the dusky eventide;
Near my cradle bed I’m kneeling,
As of yore, by mother’s side.

5

Hands are on my head so loving,
As they were in childhood’s days;
I, with weary tones, am trying
To repeat the words she says;
’Tis a prayer in language simple
As a mother’s lips can frame:
"Father, Thou who art in heaven,
Hallowed, ever, be Thy name."

6

Prayer is over: to my pillow
With a" good-night" kiss I creep,
Scarcely waking while I whisper,
"Now I lay me down to sleep."
Then my mother, o’er me bending,
Prays in earnest words, but mild:
"Hear my prayer, O heavenly Father,
Bless, oh bless, my precious child!"

7

Yet I am but only dreaming:
Ne’er I’ll be a child again;
Many years has that dear mother
In the quiet graveyard lain;
But her blessed angel spirit
Daily hovers o’er my head,
Calling me from earth to heaven,
Even from my cradle bed.

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "As I wandered round"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #1197 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 7 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: 7 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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