Singing by the Way (Rev. ed.) ‎#4

4. Swing Open, Fair Portals

1 Swing back for one moment, fair portals,
Of that wondrous city, we pray;
One glimpse, and the fears of these mortals
Shall vanish forever away.

Chorus:
Swing open, fair portals,
A moment, and let us look thro';
One glimpse, and we, faltering mortals,
To enter, shall press on anew.

2 One glimpse shall our courage embolden,
And brighten the whole of our way;
Oh, why should the sight be withholden?
By faith we would view it today. [Chorus]

3 We've read of that city's bright glory,
That knows not the darkness of night;
And reading that wonderful story,
Has ravished our souls with delight. [Chorus]

4 We've read of the Tree and the River,
Life's water and fruit ever fair;
We've looked up in faith to the Giver,
And pray'd that we might enter there. [Chorus]

5 Those gates we're approaching, how cheering!
Oh, let us prove faithful alway;
And know as the city we're nearing,
That they shall to us some sweet day,

Final Chorus:
Swing open, those portals,
And we shall in triumph go in,
Where we shall as ransom'd immortals,
Eternity blessed begin.

Text Information

• First Line: Swing back for one moment, fair portals
• Title: Swing Open, Fair Portals
• Author: F. A. B.
• Refrain First Line: Swing open, fair portals
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1897
• Copyright: © 1890 by F. A. Blackmer
• Notes: Now Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: [Swing back for one moment, fair portals]
• Composer: F. A. Blackmer
• Key: D♭ Major
• Copyright: © 1890 by F. A. Blackmer
• Notes: Now Public Domain