HYMN #0772 SSS #772 • SS&S Meter: P.M. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #772: Throw out the life-line

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

Throw out the Life-Line across the dark wave,
There is a brother whom someone should save;
Somebody’s brother! oh, who then will dare
To throw out the Life-Line, his peril to share?
Throw out the Life- Line!
Throw out the Life-Line!
Someone is drifting away!
Throw out the Life-Line!
Throw out the Life-Line!
Someone is sinking to-day.

Throw out the Life-Line with hand quick and strong:
Why do you tarry, my brother, so long?
See—he is sinking; oh, hasten to- day—
And out with the Life-Boat! away then, away!

Throw out the Life-Line to danger fraught men,
Sinking in anguish where you’ve never been:
Winds of temptation and billows of woe
Will soon hurl them out where the dark waters flow.

Soon will the season of rescue be o’er,
Soon will they drift to eternity’s shore,
Haste then, my brother! no time for delay,
But throw out the Life-Line, and save them to-day.

← Prev (#771) Hymn 772 of 1,200 Next (#773) →

🔎 Browse All 1,200 SS&S Hymns

Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "Throw out the life-line"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #772 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.

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 →