HYMN #0496 SSS #496 • SS&S Meter: P.M. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #496: Oh, what shall I do ?

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

1

Oh, what shall I do to be saved
From the sorrows that burden my soul?
Like the waves in the storm
When the winds are at war,
Chilling floods of distress o’er me roll.
What shall I do? what shall I do?
Oh, what shall I do to be saved?

2

Oh, what shall I do to be saved,
When the pleasures of youth are all fled:
And the friends I have loved
From the earth are removed,
And I weep o’er the graves of the dead?

3

Oh, what shall I do to be saved,
When sickness my strength shall sub-due;
Or the world in a day,
Like a cloud, rolls away,
And eternity opens to view?

4

O Lord, look in mercy on me,
Come, come, and speak peace to my soul!
Unto whom shall I flee,
Blessed Lord, but to Thee?
Thou canst make my poor broken heart whole!
That will I do! that will I do!
To Jesus I’ll go and be saved!

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "Oh, what shall I do ?"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #496 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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