Search Results

Switch back to the old search page.Advanced Search

[If I were a voice] (Shaw)

Appears in 2 hymnals Composer and/or Arranger: Knowles Shaw Incipit: 55651 55671 55511 Used With Text: If I Were a Voice

Appears in 42 hymnals First Line: If I were a voice, a persuasive voice Refrain First Line: I would fly, I would fly Lyrics: 1 If I were a voice, a persuasive voice, That could travel this wide world through, I would fly on the beams of the morning light, I would speak to men with a gentle might, I'd tell them to be true. I would fly, I would fly, over land and sea, Wherever a human heart could be; Telling a tale, or singing a song, In praise of the right, or in blame of the wrong. Refrain: I would fly, I would fly, I would fly, I would fly, I would fly over land and sea. 2 If I were a voice, a consoling voice, I would fly on the wings of the air; The homes of sorrow and guilt I'd seek, And calm and truthful words I'd speak, To save them from despair. I would fly, I would fly, o'er the crowded town, I'd drop, like the happy sunbeam, down Into the hearts of suffering men, I'd teach them to look up again. [Refrain] 3 If I were a voice, an immortal voice, That could travel this wide world round; Wherever man to his idols bowed, I'd publish, in notes both long and loud, The gospel's joyful sound. I would fly, I would fly, on the wings of day, Proclaiming peace on my world-wide way; Bidding this saddened earth rejoice, If I were a voice, an immortal voice. [Refrain] Scripture: Galatians 6:10 Used With Tune: [If I were a voice] (Shaw)

Instances

Published text-tune combinations (hymns) from specific hymnals

If I Were a Voice

Hymnal: The Christian Sunday School Hymnal #86 (1883) First Line: If I were a voice, a persuasive voice Refrain First Line: I would fly, I would fly Lyrics: 1 If I were a voice, a persuasive voice, That could travel this wide world through, I would fly on the beams of the morning light, I would speak to men with a gentle might, I'd tell them to be true. I would fly, I would fly, over land and sea, Wherever a human heart could be; Telling a tale, or singing a song, In praise of the right, or in blame of the wrong. Refrain: I would fly, I would fly, I would fly, I would fly, I would fly over land and sea. 2 If I were a voice, a consoling voice, I would fly on the wings of the air; The homes of sorrow and guilt I'd seek, And calm and truthful words I'd speak, To save them from despair. I would fly, I would fly, o'er the crowded town, I'd drop, like the happy sunbeam, down Into the hearts of suffering men, I'd teach them to look up again. [Refrain] 3 If I were a voice, an immortal voice, That could travel this wide world round; Wherever man to his idols bowed, I'd publish, in notes both long and loud, The gospel's joyful sound. I would fly, I would fly, on the wings of day, Proclaiming peace on my world-wide way; Bidding this saddened earth rejoice, If I were a voice, an immortal voice. [Refrain] Scripture: Galatians 6:10 Tune Title: [If I were a voice] (Shaw)

"If I were a voice"

Hymnal: The Morning Star #97 (1877) First Line: If I were a voice, a persuasive voice Refrain First Line: I would fly, I would fly Lyrics: 1 If I were a voice, a persuasive voice, That could travel this wide world through; I would fly on the beams of the morning light, I would speak to men with a gentle might, I'd tell them to be true. I would fly, I would fly over land and sea, Wherever a human heart could be; Telling a tale, or singing a song, In praise of the right, or in blame of the wrong. Chorus: I would fly, I would fly, I would fly, I would fly, I would fly over land and sea. 2 If I were a voice, a consoling voice, I would fly on the wings of air; The homes of sorrow and guilt I'd seek, And calm and truthful words I'd speak, To save them from despair. I would fly, I would fly o'er the crowded town, I'd drop like the happy sunbeam down Into the hearts of suffering men, I'd teach them to look up again. Chorus] 3 If I were a voice, an immortal voice, That could travel this wide world round; Wherever man to his idols bowed, I'd publish in notes both long and loud, The gospel's joyful sound. I would fly, I would fly on the wings of day, Proclaiming peace on my world-wide way; Bidding this saddened earth rejoice, If I were a voice, an immortal voice. [Chorus] Tune Title: [If I were a voice, a persuasive voice]

People

Authors, composers, editors, etc.

Knowles Shaw

1834 - 1878 Composer of "[If I were a voice] (Shaw)" in The Christian Sunday School Hymnal Knowles Shaw (1834-1878), a name familiar in many western households--was born near New London, in Morgan Township, Ohio, on the 13th of October, 1834. His mother's maiden name was Huldah Griffin, and by both of his parents he was of Scottish extraction. His early life was spent in Rush County, Indiana, where he first began to play the violin, furnishing the music for many a dance. While the ball was going on he was converted, ceasing to play in the middle of the piece he was performing. Very soon thereafter he entered the ministry of the Christian Church. On the 11th of January, 1855, he married Miss Martha Finley. Most of his time after entering the ministry was spent in the West and South, and on account of his wonderful vocal powers he was called the "singing evangelist." As a singer he was considered, in some respects, equal to Sankey and Bliss. reporters of the press al spoke of his singing as something wonderful. Soon after beginning to preach, he began to compose and to write music. His first song was "The Shining Ones," still popular. He published at different times five singing-books: "Shining Pearls," "Golden Gate," "Sparkling Jewels," "The Gospel Trumpet," and the "Morning Star." "Bringing in the Sheaves" was one of the last songs from his hand. His last meeting was held in Dallas, Texas, in May 1878. He was killed by a railroad accident, going from Dallas to McKinney, on the 7th of June, 1878. During his ministry he baptized over eleven thousand persons. --A History and Biographical Cyclopedia of Butler County, Ohio. Cincinnati, 1882. DNAH Archives