Tell Me the Old, Old Story - Hymn with Lyrics

1. Tell me the old, old story
Of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory,
Of Jesus and His love.
Tell me the story simply,
As to a little child;
For I am weak and weary,
And helpless and defiled.

Refrain:
Tell me the old, old story;
Tell me the old, old story,
Tell me the old, old story
Of Jesus and His love.

2. Tell me the story slowly,
That I may take it in -
That wonderful redemption,
God's remedy for sin.
Tell me the story often,
For I forget so soon;
The early dew of morning
Has passed away at noon. [Refrain]

3. Tell me the same old story
When you have cause to fear
That this world's empty glory
Is costing me too dear.
Tell me the story always,
If you would really be,
In any time of trouble,
A comforter to me. [Refrain]

Scripture; Hosea 6:4; Mark 5:19, 

John 3:16; 

1 Corinthians 1:18

 

The hymn "Tell Me the Old, Old Story" is a beloved Christian song with a touching history. It was written by Arabella Katherine Hankey (1834–1911), an English missionary and poet, and set to music by composer William Howard Doane (1832–1915). Here's the story behind it:

The Inspiration

Arabella Hankey was born into a devout Christian family in England. She was deeply influenced by the evangelical revival of her time and was dedicated to missionary work. While still young, she organized Bible study classes for young girls and supported foreign missions. Her passion for sharing the Gospel inspired her to write poetry that would resonate with believers and help spread the Christian message.

In 1866, at the age of 32, Arabella suffered a severe illness that left her bedridden for an extended period. During her recovery, she reflected deeply on the life and message of Jesus Christ. It was during this time that she penned a long poem called The Old, Old Story of Jesus and His Love, consisting of two parts: The Story Wanted and The Story Told.

The Hymn's Text

"Tell Me the Old, Old Story" is based on the first part of her poem. The lyrics express a heartfelt desire to hear the simple yet profound story of Jesus Christ, His love, and His redemptive work on the cross. The hymn emphasizes the timelessness and importance of the Gospel message, calling for it to be told "simply," "softly," and "always."

The Music

The poem's powerful message caught the attention of composer William Howard Doane, who was a prolific hymn writer and collaborator of notable figures like Fanny J. Crosby. In 1867, he set the hymn's words to music, giving it the melody that made it widely popular.

Impact and Legacy

"Tell Me the Old, Old Story" became a cherished hymn, particularly during revival meetings in the late 19th century. Its simplicity and emotional depth made it an effective tool for evangelism, and it has been included in countless hymnals ever since.