​​Love Lifted Me

Not much is known about James Rowe, who wrote the song “Love Lifted Me”. He was born in Devonshire, England, but moved to the States at the age of 25 in 1890. James did various jobs, such as being a railway worker, but being a gifted songwriter, James started to put together some music journals, editing them and working for various publishing companies in the States. He was so good at writing that he actually started writing greeting cards as well, but hymn writing was his great love. He's said to have written over 19,000 hymns. This was his one great song that has endured through the years. People still love singing his song today.

It was written in 1912 and was used extensively by Billy Sunday, who was the great evangelist of that time. Having written these words, James Rowe needed a tune for it, so he called his friend Howard Smith, who was an organist at a church in Connecticut. The story is that Smith was invited to Rowe's home, and Rowe stood there and tried to explain the words or read the words out. Together they tried to hum out a tune, and Smith pieced it together. This tune took shape—it's a really singable tune and has that real sound of the time.

James Rowe died in 1933, but his song lives on. Take a look at the words that he wrote that we love so much.

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I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

Refrain

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!

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All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him Ill cling
In His blessed presence live, ever His praises sing,
Love so mighty and so true, merits my souls best songs,
Faithful, loving service too, to Him belongs.

Refrain

Souls in danger look above, Jesus completely saves,
He will lift you by His love, out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea, billows His will obey,
He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.

Refrain