Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing - The Hymn's Origins
Music That Inspires
When I think about Positive Awe, music immediately comes to mind. I cannot envision a world without it. I’m pretty sure I was singing before I was talking. As a child, I’d head into the bathroom, brush in hand, to belt out favorite songs into the mirror. My enthusiasm carried into elementary school, where I eagerly joined the glee club, sparking a lifelong history of singing in various choirs at school, university, my workplace, and church.
As an undergraduate, I minored in music and sang in the music department’s classical choir, as well as the African American Studies department’s gospel choir, Voices of Unity. It was my first encounter with singing either type of music. Both experiences gave me a profound appreciation for their histories—Classical music, with its roots in Europe, and Gospel music, an American tradition deeply tied to African heritage.
This eclectic love of music inspired Music That Inspires. It all started while scrolling through the platform formerly known as Twitter. Confronted by acrimony and vitriol, I turned to music as a balm for my soul. Songs that uplifted me became my way of cleansing my spirit and spreading positivity. I shared them with my followers and anyone looking for light amidst the darkness under the hashtag #MusicThatInspires. More often than not, one song led me down a rabbit hole of delight, inspiring me to share additional songs with similar messages. By the end of these sessions, my spirit was refreshed, and I could settle in for the evening with my fur-babies, knowing I had contributed some light to the world.
A Hymn That Resonates
Today, I want to share one of my favorite hymns: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. While I didn’t grow up listening to gospel music or singing hymns, I was introduced to them as a young adult. The first time I heard Come Thou Fount, I was captivated. Its melody, lyrics, and movement spoke deeply to my heart—especially the line:
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love.
Though those lyrics didn’t directly reflect my personal Christian walk, the sentiment of longing to be closer to God resonated powerfully with me.
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
The Hymn’s Origins
The Life of Robert Robinson Robert Robinson and I share the same birthday, September 27—though he was born over two centuries before me in 1735, in Swaffham, Norfolk, England. After losing his father at the age of eight, Robinson was raised by his mother. At 15, he was indentured to a barber in London. It was in that bustling city that he encountered the Christian faith and underwent a profound spiritual transformation.
By the age of 22, Robinson wrote Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, reflecting his newfound faith and the grace he’d experienced. Philippians 1:6 comes to mind: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
The Lyrics’ Richness The hymn’s lyrics express a heartfelt longing for divine grace and guidance. Lines such as “Tune my heart to sing Thy grace” and “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it” articulate the human struggle with faith and the desire for spiritual steadfastness.
The term “Ebenezer” in the hymn draws from 1 Samuel 7:12, where Samuel sets up a stone as a memorial, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” It’s a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness throughout life’s journey.
The Hymn’s Legacy, Impact, and Evolution
Timeless Appeal & Cultural Reach: The hymn’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to connect deeply with believers. Its honest portrayal of human frailty and trust in God’s grace resonates across generations and denominations. It’s sung in traditional worship services, revivals, and contemporary Christian settings, making it a favorite among diverse Christian groups.
Melodic Journey: While the hymn was originally set to a different melody, the pairing with the American folk tune “Nettleton” cemented its place in modern hymnals. This blend of English hymnody and American folk traditions highlights its cultural adaptability.
Revivalist Influence: The hymn gained prominence during the 19th-century American revivalist movements, where its themes of repentance and reliance on grace aligned perfectly with the revival’s emphasis on spiritual renewal. James 4:8 speaks to this theme: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
Emotional Resonance: The line “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it” is often cited as a universal cry of human frailty. Many people find deep solace and self-identification in its vulnerability, making it a hymn that invites introspection and renewal.
Reflections on Robert Robinson’s Journey
Robinson’s life was marked by spiritual highs and lows. He reportedly strayed from his faith later in life, making his words “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it” all the more poignant. His life serves as both a testament to God's grace and a reminder of human frailty. Psalm 34:18 encourages us: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Final Thought: A Hymn for Every Season
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing has brought hope to believers through wars, pandemics, and personal trials. Its message reminds us that God’s grace is ever-present, even when we are prone to wander.
Next time you hear this hymn, let its lyrics draw you closer to God, reminding you of His faithfulness and the beauty of His grace. Like Robinson’s Ebenezer, may it become a marker in your own journey of faith, testifying to God’s enduring help and love.
