Minnetonka Songs ‎#23

23. The Ninety and Nine

1 There were ninety and nine that safely lay
In the shelter of the fold,
But one had wandered far away,
In the desert so lone and cold;
Away on the mountains wild and bare,
Away from the Shepherd’s tender care;
Away on the mountains wild and bare,
Away from the Shepherd's tender care.

2 Shepherd, hast thou not here thy ninety and nine;
Are they not enough for thee?
The Shepherd replied, "This one of mine,
Has wandered away from me;
The way may be wild and rough and steep,
I go to the desert to find my sheep;
The way may be wild and rough and steep,
I go to the desert to find my sheep."

3 But none of the ransomed ever know
How deep were the waters crossed,
How dark was the night the Lord passed through
Ere he found the sheep that was lost.
Away in the desert he heard its cry,
So feeble and helpless and ready to die;
Away in the desert he heard its cry,
So feeble and helpless and ready to die.

4 And afar up the mountain, thunder riven,
And along the rocky steep,
There arose the glad song of joy to heaven,
"Rejoice, I have found my sheep!"
And the angels echoed around the throne,
"Rejoice, for the Lord brings back his own;
And the angels echoed around the throne,
"Rejoice, for the Lord brings back his own!"

Text Information

• First Line: There were ninety and nine that safely lay
• Title: The Ninety and Nine
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1879

Tune Information

• Name: [There were ninety and nine that safely lay]
• Composer: P. P. Bliss, by per.
• Key: A♭ Major