JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE

(trad.)

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Lyrics as recorded by Bob Dylan during Feb 18, 1969 Nashville session (duet with Johnny Cash); allegedly performed by Dylan at Wavy Gravy's wedding, New York, NY, early 1960s (exact date unknown).

This is another example of the gospel "hymn" that adresses the Lord directly. Though it probably is of fairly recent origin and may have been composed as part of one of the evangelistic "crusades," its authorship has been lost. It became one of the first religious hits in country music when it was recorded by Red Foley in 1950.

Dorothy Horstman, Sing Your Heart Out, Country Boy, New York, 1976, p. 53.

CHORUS:
Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea.
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

I am weak, but Thou are strong.
Jesus, keep me from all wrong.
I'll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

When my feeble life is o'er,
Time for me will be no more.
Guide me gently, safely o'er
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.