HYMN #0906 SSS #906 • SS&S Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #906: I was once far away

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

1

I was once far away from the Saviour,
As vile as a sinner could be,
And I wondered if Christ the Redeemer,
Could save a poor sinner like me.

2

I wandered on in the darkness,
Not a ray of light could I see;
And the thought filled my heart with sadness,
There’s no hope for a sinner like me.

3

And then, in that dark lonely hour,
A voice sweetly whispered to me,
Saying, "Look unto Me! —I have power
To save a poor sinner like thee."

4

I listened: and lo! ’twas the Saviour
That was speaking so kindly to me;
And I cried, "I’m the chief of sinners;
Canst Thou save a poor sinner like me?"

5

I then fully trusted in Jesus;
And oh, now a joy came to me!
My heart was filled with His praises,
For saving a sinner like me.

6

No longer in darkness I’m walking,
The light is now shining on me;
And now unto others I’m telling,
How He saved a poor sinner like me.

7

And when life’s journey is over,
And I the dear Saviour shall see,
I’ll praise Him for ever and ever,
For saving a sinner like me!

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "I was once far away"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #906 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: Standard Metrical Hymnody
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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