Alright, folks, gather 'round because I've got a real treat for you today - a deep dive into the story behind one of my all-time favorite hymns, “Softly and Tenderly." And let me tell you, this one's got it all - a talented composer, a stunning mansion, and a name that's just begging to be the theme song of a well-loved movie.
Now, before we get into the juicy details, I've got to be upfront with you - I may have borrowed a bit of this information from our good friends over at Wikipedia. But hey, when the facts are this good, who am I to reinvent the wheel, right?
So, let's start with the man behind the music, William Lamartine Thompson. Now, this guy was no slouch - born in 1847 in the bustling town of East Liverpool, Ohio, he was the youngest of seven children, with a dad who was a successful merchant, manufacturer, and banker, and a mom who was all about her social and charitable life. Talk about having some big shoes to fill!
But Thompson wasn't one to shy away from a challenge. Nope, he graduated from Mount Union College, then headed off to the New England Conservatory of Music, and even spent some time honing his craft in good ol' Leipzig, Germany. And let me tell you, all that hard work paid off, because this guy went on to found his own music company and start cranking out some seriously catchy hymns and gospel songs.
Thompson married a woman named Elizabeth Johnson, and together they built a massive hilltop mansion in East Liverpool that's still standing today. And get this - the locals have dubbed it the "Softly and Tenderly House." I mean, come on, how perfect is that?! It's like something straight out of a Hallmark movie, am I right?
Anyway, enough about the man behind the music - let's talk about the hymn itself, “Softly and Tenderly." I don't know about you, but the imagery in that title just gets me every time. I can practically smell the presence of the Lord, hear the organ swelling, and feel the wooden pews creaking beneath me as I belt out those lyrics of longing. It's like a spiritual balm shot straight to the heart, you know?
And let me tell you, when you pair that with the story of Thompson's life - the small-town roots, the musical ambition, the grand mansion on the hill - it's enough to make you want to grab a hymnal and start singing at the top of your lungs. I mean, can't you just picture it? The sun streaming through the stained-glass windows, the congregation lifting their voices in perfect harmony, and Thompson himself, sitting in the front pew with the proudest grin you ever did see.
This guy was a regular Renaissance man. Not only was he a gifted lyricist and composer, but he also had a knack for writing some pretty catchy tunes that weren't exactly church-approved. I'm talking about hits like "My Home on the Old Ohio" and "Gathering Shells from the Seashore" - the kind of songs that would have your grandparents tapping their toes and your parents rolling their eyes.
But you know what they say, "The Lord works in mysterious ways," and Thompson was no exception. Because even though he may have dabbled in the secular world, his true passion was for hymns and gospel songs. And let me tell you, the man had a system down pat.
Imagine this: you're Thompson, sitting in your study, the smell of freshly sharpened pencils and the sound of a crackling fire filling the air. Suddenly, inspiration strikes, and you've just got to get those words and melodies down before they slip away. So, you reach for your trusty notebook, jotting down every last bit of it, no matter where you are - "at home or hotel, at the store or traveling." Because as Thompson himself said, "I never lose it.”
And lose it, he did not. In fact, his dedication to his craft paid off big time when he opened up the W. L. Thompson Music Company right there in East Liverpool, Ohio. By the 1880s, this place was a veritable hymn-writing factory, churning out sheet music, instruments, and supplies for music teachers and musicians all across the United States. I mean, talk about a one-stop shop for all your sacred musical needs!
But Thompson wasn't content to just rule the roost in his hometown. Oh no, this guy had bigger plans, and he eventually branched out to Chicago, opening up a whole new music and publishing company. It's like the guy had a direct line to the heart of God, because no matter where he went, his talent for crafting those timeless hymns just seemed to follow him.
And you know what they say, "The rest is history." Thompson may have dabbled in the secular world, but his true legacy lies in the countless souls he's touched with his powerful, faith-filled lyrics and melodies. So, the next time you find yourself belting out “Softly and Tenderly," take a moment to imagine the man behind the music - sitting at his desk, pencil in hand, the weight of the world on his shoulders, but the joy of the Lord in his heart. Because that, my friends, is the kind of story that just keeps on giving.
Let's talk about the song that's truly the crown jewel in William Lamartine Thompson's musical legacy - the one, the only, "Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling." Now, this hymn has got to be one of the most iconic and enduring pieces of gospel music out there, and let me tell you, it's got quite the storied history.
First off, can we just take a moment to appreciate how many different languages this thing has been translated into? I mean, talk about a global reach! It's like the United Nations of hymns! And the way it's been featured in everything from movies to novels to TV shows, it's practically a cultural touchstone at this point. Cynthia Clawson's interpretation of the song was used as background throughout the 1985 movie The Trip to Bountiful. Cynthia’s version is far and away my personal favorite version of the song.
Now, let's talk about that sweet, soulful melody and those heartstring-tugging lyrics. I can just picture it now - you're sitting in the pew, the organ swelling, the choir belting it out, and suddenly, it's like the heavens have opened up and Jesus himself is whispering in your ear. It's enough to make even the most stoic among us reach for a tissue.
And let's not forget the legendary Dwight L. Moody, the famous evangelist who couldn't get enough of this hymn. I mean, the guy practically made it his personal anthem, using it to stir up the crowds at his rallies across America and even over in Britain. And then, when Moody was on his deathbed, he insisted on seeing the man behind the music, Thompson himself. Talk about a full-circle moment!
Apparently, Moody told Thompson, "Will, I would rather have written 'Softly and Tenderly' than anything I have been able to do in my whole life." I mean, come on, if that doesn't just melt your heart, I don't know what will. And the fact that Moody died while singing the words of that very hymn? Well, that's just the kind of poetic ending that would make even the most cynical among us believe in the power of music to touch the soul.
And let's not forget the impact this hymn has had on some of the biggest names in the civil rights movement. I'm talking about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose funeral service at Ebenezer Baptist Church featured a rousing rendition by the choir. It's like the song has this way of transcending time and space, speaking to the hearts of people from all walks of life.
So, the next time you find yourself humming along to "Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling," take a moment to appreciate the rich history and enduring legacy of this truly remarkable piece of music. Because let's be real, when it comes to gospel hymns, this one is the whole package - from the soulful melodies to the timeless lyrics to the incredible stories of the people who've been touched by its power. It's the kind of thing that just keeps on giving, generation after generation. And that, my friends, is what makes it truly unforgettable. William Thompson fell ill during a tour of Europe, and his family cut short their travels to return home. He was called home ‘softly and tenderly’ a few weeks later in New York City on September 20, 1909.
"Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling" - the hymn that's truly become part of the soundtrack to my life. You know, there's just something about that song that's always resonated with me, even from my earliest days. I can still remember sitting in the pews of our little Baptist church, belting out those lyrics with all my heart, and feeling this overwhelming sense of peace wash over me.
It was like I could just imagine Jesus himself, reaching out to me with those gentle, tender words, calling me home. And let me tell you, as a kid, that was a pretty powerful thing. I mean, the idea that the Almighty Creator of the universe would take the time to personally beckon me, little old me, it just filled me with this profound sense of wonder and awe.
And now, as I face the challenges of Parkinson's, that song has taken on an even deeper meaning. When the days get tough and the road ahead seems uncertain, I find myself turning to those familiar melodies and lyrics, finding comfort in the knowledge that Jesus is always there, softly and tenderly calling me to His side.
It's almost as if the song has become a lifeline, a way for me to connect with the divine even in the midst of my struggles. And you know, that's where this other hymn of mine, "When the Night is Falling," really comes into play.
See, I wrote that one back in '89, inspired by the beautiful imagery in Zephaniah 3:17 - the idea that the Lord rejoices over us with singing. I can still remember sitting at the piano, just letting the Spirit move me, and feeling this overwhelming sense of peace wash over me. It was like I could hear the Lord Himself serenading me with His love, the waves of His affection rolling over me like the gentlest of tides.
And now, as I navigate this new chapter of my life, those words and that melody have become a constant source of comfort and strength. Because even on the darkest of nights, when the challenges of Parkinson's seem to be closing in, I can close my eyes and picture the Lord, singing His love over me, reminding me that I'm never truly alone.
It's funny how the songs we hold dear can take on such profound meaning, can't it? But I guess that's the power of music, the way it has of touching our hearts and souls in ways that words alone simply can't. And for me, these two hymns, "Softly and Tenderly" and "When the Night is Falling," they've become the soundtrack to my journey, the melodies that carry me through the highs and lows, the reminders that no matter what, I am loved, I am cherished, and I am never, ever alone.
Now, I don't know about you, but one of the things that just absolutely blows my mind is the sheer tenacity of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I mean, think about it - even when we're at our absolute worst, when we're knee-deep in sin and turning our backs on Him left and right, our God never stops pursuing us. It's like He's got this crazy, relentless love that just won't quit, no matter how hard we try to shake Him off.
And let me tell you, when you really sit with that truth, it can be enough to bring a grown man to tears. I mean, talk about a humbling realization - that even in our darkest moments, when we're at our most unlovable, Jesus is still over there belting out this song of rejoicing, just because He loves us that darn much. It's enough to make you want to drop to your knees and start ugly-crying!
But you know what? That's the beauty of it all. Because when we allow ourselves to really soak in that kind of unconditional love, it has this way of bringing healing to our souls, even in the midst of the most painful circumstances. It's like a spiritual salve for the weary, a reminder that no matter how lost we may feel, we're never truly alone.
So, my challenge to you, dear readers, is to take some time over the next few days to really meditate on this truth. Let it sink in, let it permeate every nook and cranny of your being. And then, when you're feeling down and out, when the world seems to be crashing in around you, just pause and listen - because I can guarantee you, Jesus is right there, softly and tenderly calling your name, singing a song of love and rejoicing that's powerful enough to lift even the heaviest of hearts.
Believe it, my friends. Receive it. And then watch as that incredible, relentless love of His starts to work its power, bringing healing and restoration to your soul. Because trust me, when you really let that truth take root, it's like a spiritual shot of espresso straight to the heart - invigorating, empowering, and oh-so-sweet.
Dennis Jernigan
To hear The Dennis Jernigan Podcast version of this blog, go to https://www.patreon.com/posts/softly-and-107245004
Photo courtesy of http://www.paperlesshymnal.com/tph/Articles/WillThompson.pdf
Many years ago, years ago God placed this Scripture, Zephaniah 3:17, on my heart and I did a word study and came up with my very own translation just for me. Little did I know that it would be the underlying thread for my entire ministry.
My translation: The eternal self-existent God, the God Who is three in one; He Who dwells in the center of your being is a powerful and valiant warrior. He has come to set you free, to keep you safe, and to bring you victory. He is cheered and He beams with exceeding joy and takes pleasure in your presence. He has engraved a place for Himself in you and there He quietly rests in His love and affection for you. He cannot contain Himself at the thought of you and with the greatest of joy spins around wildly in anticipation over you…and has placed you above all other creations and in the highest place in His priorities. In fact, He shouts and sings in triumph, joyfully proclaiming the gladness of His heart in a song of rejoicing! All because of you!