In the Garden
Possibly few songs have been sung more in the past century at funerals or in churches than In the Garden. To many people in the midst of suffering, loneliness, loss, and grief, this song has reminded them that Jesus is near, is with them, and cares. The song catalogs Mary’s walk into the garden all alone – thinking that Jesus was dead, not with her, and gone forever. When who she thought was the gardener talked to her, she responded. Then, Jesus said her name and opened her eyes. She immediately turned to Him and said, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher).
For those who know Dr. Richard and Beverly Boland, they would sing this hymn every night at the dinner table. It was one of their favorites as a couple. (So much for not singing at the table!)
In the Garden Lyrics
1 I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses.
Refrain:
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
2 He speaks, and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing;
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing. [Refrain]
3 I’d stay in the garden with Him
Tho’ the night around me be falling;
But He bids me go; thro’ the voice of woe,
His voice to me is calling. [Refrain]
The Theology
Based on John 20:1-18, this song recalls the story of Jesus meeting Mary Magdalene in the garden on resurrection morning. It is sung from her perspective in the first person. Over the years, some have criticized this hymn in two ways. Some say it is egocentric because it is in the first person. Others say it is too erotic sounding. I can appreciate the fact that some say it is egocentric; however, when you realize the hymn is written from Mary’s vantage point, the first person is put into perspective.
The reality of the chorus says it all. Jesus is with us. In Mary’s broken-heartedness in the garden on the day of resurrection, she was with Jesus. The song reminds us of this reality. In our own broken-heartedness, loneliness, and suffering, this song reminds us that Jesus is with us. The power of the resurrection makes this so for each one of us.
The Author and Story of the Song
Charles Austin Miles (January 7, 1868 – March 10, 1946) was a prolific American writer of gospel songs, who is best known for his 1912 hymn “In the Garden”.
He studied at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and the University of Pennsylvania. In 1892, he ceased to practice as a pharmacist. His first gospel song, “List! ’Tis Jesus’ Voice”, was published by the Hall-Mack Company. He worked as editor and manager at Hall-Mack for 37 years. A resident of Pitman, New Jersey, Miles died on March 10, 1946, at Hahnemann Hospital in Philadelphia. He is buried in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Sewell, NJ.
He said, “It is as a writer of gospel songs I am proud to be known, for in that way I may be of the most use to my Master, whom I serve willingly although not as efficiently as is my desire”. He wrote at least 398 songs, and the music to at least 8 more. [1]
Regarding this hymn In the Garden, he said his inspiration came in March 1912 when he was reading John 20:1-18. He recalled as he thought about the story of Jesus and Mary Magdalene meeting in the garden after Jesus’ resurrection. As you read the words to the hymn, this is the story of Jesus’ meeting with her.
Enjoy This Media
Some groups singing the song from YouTube:
Alan Jackson sings a country version of the song.
For those outside church, no one made it more popular than Elvis Presley. Here is his version.
Classic congregational singing of all four verse.
Here is the earliest published copy of the song from New Sacred Selections, song #29 from 1912 [4]:
Here is a more modern version from Favorite Hymns of Praise #428 [6]:
Link to Other Blogs in this Series
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
Trackbacks/Pingbacks