HYMN #0711 SSS #711 • SS&S Meter: 8.7. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #711: What though clouds

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

1

What though clouds are hovering o’er me,
And I seem to walk alone—
Longing, ’mid my cares and crosses,
For the joys that now are flown!
If I’ve Jesus, "Jesus only,"
Then my sky will have a gem;
He’s the Sun of brightest splendour,
And the Star of Bethlehem.

2

What though all my earthly journey
Bringeth naught but weary hours;
And, in grasping for life’s roses.,
Thorns I find instead of flowers!
If I’ve Jesus, "Jesus only,"
I possess a cluster rare;
He’s the" Lily of the Valley,"
And the" Rose of Sharon" fair.

3

What though all my heart is yearning
For the loved of long ago—
Bitter lessons sadly learning
From the shadowy page of woe!
If I’ve Jesus, "Jesus only,"
He’ll be with me to the end;
And, unseen by mortal vision,
Angel bands will o’er me bend.

4

When I soar to realms of glory,
And an entrance I await,
If I whisper, "Jesus only!"
Wide will ope the pearly gate;
When I join the heavenly chorus,
And the angel-hosts I see,
Precious Jesus, "Jesus only,"
Will my theme of rapture be.

← Prev (#710) Hymn 711 of 1,200 Next (#712) →

🔎 Browse All 1,200 SS&S Hymns

Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "What though clouds"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #711 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: 8.7.
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.

WINDOWS DESKTOP EDITION 100% Offline Worship

Take All 1,838 Hymns With Cathedral Organ Tunes Everywhere

Download the free offline Windows app with full 4-part harmony pipe organ accompaniments for both Sacred Songs & Solos and Hymns Ancient & Modern.

⬇️ Download for Windows PC (2.9 MB) View simple 1-minute installation guide →