Key: C
Introduction:
C Dm C F C G Am D G
The darkness deepens, Lord, with me a-bide.
C E AmEm Dm A Dm
When other helpers fail, and comforts flee,
G C G C E Am Dm C G C
help of the helpless, oh, a - bide with me!
C G AmEm Dm G C
2. I need thy presence every passing hour!
C Dm C F C G Am D G
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'r?
C E Am Em Dm A Dm
Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?
G C G C E Am Dm C G C
Through cloud and sunshine, oh, a - bide with me !
C G Am Em Dm G C
3. Swift to it's close ebbs out life's little day.
C Dm C F C G Am D G
Earth's joys grow dim, it's glories pass a-way.
C E Am Em Dm A Dm
Change and decay in all around I see.
G C G C E Am Dm C G C
O Thou who changest not, a - bide with me !
C G Am Em Dm G C
4. Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word.
C Dm C F C G Am D G
But as Thou dwell'st with Thy disciples, Lord,
CE AmEm Dm A Dm
Familiar, condescending, patient, free.
G C G CE Am Dm C G C
Come not to sojourn, but a - bide with me!
C G AmEm Dm G C
5. Come not in terror, as the King of kings,
C Dm C F C G Am D G
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings.
C E Am Em Dm A Dm
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea.
G C G C E Am Dm C G C
Come, Friend of sinners, thus a - bide with me!
C G AmEm Dm G C
6. Thou on my head in every youth didst smile.
C F C G D G
And though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
C E Am Em Dm A Dm
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee.
G C G C E Am Dm C G C
On to the close, O Lord, a - bide with me.
C G Am Em Dm G C
7. I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless.
C Dm C F C G Am D G
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
C E Am Em Dm A Dm
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
G C G C E Am Dm C G C
I triumph still, if thou a - bide with me!
C G Am Em Dm G C
8. Hold thou thy cross be-fore my closing eyes.
C Dm C F C G Am D G
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies.
C E Am Em Dm A Dm
Heav'n's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee.
G C G C E Am Dm C G C
In life, in death, O Lord, a - bide with me!