Introduction:
“If the Lord Wasn’t Walking by My Side” is a gospel song recorded by Elvis Presley, featured on his 1967 gospel album How Great Thou Art. Written by gospel songwriter Henry Slaughter, the song reflects Elvis’s deep connection to spiritual music, a genre that played a vital role throughout his career. Known for its lively arrangement and heartfelt lyrics, the track stands out as an uplifting expression of faith and gratitude.
Elvis recorded the song on May 25, 1966, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee, during sessions for How Great Thou Art. These sessions marked a significant return to gospel music for Elvis, showcasing his commitment to creating meaningful and spiritually resonant works. The album went on to win a Grammy Award for Best Sacred Performance in 1967, cementing its place in gospel and Elvis’s musical legacy.
The song exemplifies Presley’s ability to infuse spiritual tracks with emotional intensity, blending gospel traditions with his signature vocal style. It was later performed by Elvis during his live shows, further underscoring his passion for gospel music as a core component of his repertoire. The track remains a favorite among fans who admire Elvis’s heartfelt expressions of faith and his impact on gospel music.
Video:
Lyrics:
“If The Lord Wasn’t Walking By My Side”
If the Lord wasn’t walking by my side
When I was drifting (when I was drifting on the sea of a despair)
and I was wandering (I was wandering if Jehovah’s up there)
When Jesus found me,(Jesus found me in my sinful life)
he heard me praying (he heard me praying on my knees at night)
Now I’m singing (Now I’m singing this happy song)
because I’m happy (because I’m happy as I go along)
And I don’t know (I don’t know) just what I’d do
If the Lord wasn’t walking by my side
What would I do, (What would I do when a tear fills my eyes)
what would I do (What would I do when it’s my time to die)
Well I’d be lonely, discouraged
Burdened on the way
If the Lord wasn’t walking by my side every day
I’d be so friendless (I’d be friendless all alone and blue)
and I’d be helpless (I’d be helpless, wouldn’t know what to do)
And I don’t know (I don’t know) just what I’d do
If the Lord wasn’t walking by my side
(What would I do) What would I do when the tears fill my eyes
(What would I do) What would I do when it’s my time to die
(I’d be lonely, discouraged, burdened on the way)
If the Lord wasn’t walking by my side every day
I’d be so friendless, (I’d be friendless all alone and blue)
I’d be so helpless (I’d be helpless, wouldn’t know what to do)
And I don’t know (I don’t know) just what I’d do
If the Lord wasn’t walking by my side every day
If the Lord (wasn’t walking) wasn’t walking by my side
(wasn’t walking by my side)