A brilliant classic hymn about flying away to heaven and being freed from earth's shackles! But does it glorify death, and deny life's goodness? Hear the story of Alfred E. Brumley writing this song and let's look at the lyrics and then sing it together.

This classic hymn has a tragic story of loss and heartache - but through it all, the author Louis M.R. Stead found that trusting Jesus was the answer! She also became a missionary to my own country of South Africa.

A Sunday School teacher named James M. Black met a lost young girl and invited her to his class. Her absence at one of their future lessons led to this classic hymn about our names being read out one day in glory! Hear the story and a deep look at the words in today's episode.

Philip P. Bliss was a brilliant singer and hymnwriter whose life came to a tragic end shortly after writing this classic hymn about Christ the Man of sorrows. Hear the story, and a deep look at his lyrics, on today's episode.

Today's Friday Classic Hymn is "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing". A lovely song written by an earnest Christian man named Robert Robinson, who ended up losing his way. Hear the story, the song, and the meaning of the lyrics on today's episode here.

A favorite classic hymn with roots in the American civil war. A liberal (for the day) woman wrote these stirring words about the second coming of Christ, using lots of imagery from Revelation. What a powerful and moving song! Hear the history, an analysis of the lyrics, and a performance of all 6 original verses on today's episode.

A talented songwriter and musician wrote this beautiful song, which DL Moody said he would have loved to have written! Many lives have been touched by these special words. Has yours?

This classic hymn has got simple but profound words and a singable melody. How joyful to sing "O how I love Jesus, because He first loved me!" The verses are deep and meaningful. Hear the history of this great hymn on today's episode.

A classic hymn inspired by words in Revelation - but these days we sing some words from the original, and some from a rewritten version. Hymnals differ in the verses they publish! Either way, it is a powerful song giving Christ the glory that is His.

Augustus Toplady wrote this brilliant old hymn. First a fan of Wesleys, he ended up becoming their enemy! And yet his classic hymn was probably influenced by a Wesleyan hymnal which spoke of the Rock of Ages.

A classic Charles Wesley hymn. Did he write it in a storm? When a bird flew into his office? When he was chased by a crowd after preaching? Whichever story is true, Wesley’s great hymn is comforting to us as we seek to live out our faith.

A favourite hymn written by a brilliant musician, based on some powerful words she once read in a tract about turning your eyes upon Jesus, and the things of earth growing strangely dim.

A classic children's hymn, Jesus Loves Me was written as part of a novel in a scene with a dying child. The woman who wrote it is deeply respected by the American military.

A classic hymn written to teach children about the Creator God! But did you know the writer was accused of classism because of the lyrics? Discover the story of 'All Things Bright and Beautiful' and have a closer look at the words here today.

A brilliant man with simple faith wrote the classic hymn "Breathe on Me Breath of God". His lyrics about the Holy Spirit have inspired many over the decades!

The story behind the great hymn Be Thou My Vision is an intriguing one, dating back many centuries.

A great song written by John Sammis and Daniel Towner, who heard somebody say something special at an evangelical meeting held by DL Moody. What a great song that sums up the Christian life! Listen and be blessed.

Fanny Crosby, blind from a young age writes about the wonder she looks forward to when she sees Jesus. Plus she writes of salvation and the glory God deserves in this favourite hymn - which was almost forgotten until Billy Graham revived it.

A great hymn of gratitude! Johnson Oatman Jr wanted to sing like his father, but discovered that he was a better hymn writer than a singer.

The story behind this beautiful hymn written by Eleanor Farjeon, made famous by Cat Stevens, made musical by Rick Wakeman, celebrating the God who made it all! Also includes some tales from my visit to the Stretham Rookery.