His Eye is on the Sparrow Lyrics
The inspiration behind the lyrics of “His Eye is on the Sparrow” is a story that resonates with many, including myself. This beloved hymn was written by Civilla D. Martin in 1905, and its words have brought comfort and hope to countless individuals throughout the years.
The genesis of this powerful song can be traced back to a conversation between Civilla Martin and her close friend, Mrs. Charles Gabriel. During their discussion, Mrs. Gabriel shared an experience she had while visiting a bedridden couple who were facing numerous challenges in their lives. Despite their difficulties, the wife expressed unwavering trust in God’s providence and quoted Matthew 10:29-31 which speaks of God’s care for even the smallest sparrow.
Deeply moved by this encounter, Civilla Martin found herself inspired to pen the lyrics for “His Eye is on the Sparrow.” The song beautifully captures the essence of finding solace in God’s watchful eye and trusting His guidance through life’s trials and tribulations.
As I delve into the origins of these lyrics, I am reminded of how music has a remarkable ability to touch our souls and provide comfort during difficult times. The timeless message of “His Eye is on the Sparrow” continues to uplift hearts today as it did over a century ago when it was first composed.
The Life of Civilla D. Martin
Let’s delve into the fascinating life of Civilla D. Martin, the remarkable woman behind the lyrics of “His Eye is on the Sparrow.” Born in 1866, Civilla was a gifted songwriter and devout Christian who left an indelible mark on gospel music.
Civilla D. Martin, along with her husband Walter Stillman Martin, wrote numerous hymns that continue to inspire and uplift people to this day. However, it was “His Eye is on the Sparrow” that brought them international recognition and touched countless hearts around the world.
Despite facing various trials and tribulations throughout her life, Civilla remained steadfast in her faith and found solace in God’s watchful eye. It was during one particularly trying period that she drew inspiration for these timeless lyrics.
Legend has it that while traveling by train, Civilla struck up a conversation with a fellow passenger who happened to be renowned gospel singer Charles H. Gabriel. During their conversation, Civilla expressed her struggles and fears regarding an uncertain future.
In response, Gabriel shared a simple yet powerful truth from Matthew 10:29-31 – “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care… So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
These words resonated deeply with Civilla and served as a catalyst for composing what would become one of her most beloved hymns. She penned down the lyrics as an affirmation of unwavering trust in God’s providence and love for His children.
Over time, “His Eye is on the Sparrow” gained popularity within church congregations across America and beyond. Its profound message of hope amidst adversity continues to offer comfort to those going through challenging times.
Civilla D. Martin’s legacy extends far beyond just this iconic song; she remains an inspiration to aspiring songwriters and believers alike. Her ability to weave heartfelt lyrics with unwavering faith speaks volumes about her character and devotion.
In conclusion, the life of Civilla D. Martin is a testament to the power of music and how it can touch the depths of our souls. Through her timeless hymns, she left an enduring impact on gospel music, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, God’s eye is always upon us. The story of Civilla D. Martin’s songwriting is a fascinating tale that sheds light on the inspiration behind her timeless hymn, “His Eye is on the Sparrow.” Let’s delve into the life and experiences of this gifted songwriter.
Civilla D. Martin was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1866. She possessed a deep love for music and a talent for writing poetry from a young age. As she grew older, she honed her skills as a wordsmith and began penning lyrics that resonated with people’s hearts.
It was during a visit to New York City in 1904 that Civilla had an encounter that would shape the creation of her most famous composition. While staying at their friend’s home, she met Mrs. Charles H. Gabriel, a well-known gospel songwriter who happened to be ill at the time. Despite her illness, Mrs. Gabriel maintained an unwavering faith in God’s providence.
Inspired by Mrs. Gabriel’s steadfast trust in God’s care, Civilla found herself reflecting on Matthew 10:29-31 – “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care… So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” These verses sparked something within Civilla, igniting her desire to capture this profound message of divine love and protection through song.
In response to this inspiration, Civilla penned the heartfelt lyrics of “His Eye is on the Sparrow” with her husband Walter Stillman Martin composing its accompanying melody. The song was published in 1905 and quickly gained popularity among church congregations across America.