Fanny Jane Crosby was one of the most impactful and beloved hymn writers in Christian history. Born in 1820 and blind from infancy, she went on to write more than 8,000 hymns in her lifetime.
Many of her songs were written for outreach missions, revivals, and Sunday school settings. She worked with several well-known composers of her time and helped shape the sound of 19th-century American gospel music.
Despite her blindness, her spiritual insight and poetic talent touched millions through her words. Her legacy lives on in churches worldwide, where her hymns continue to inspire faith.
About the Song
Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior is one of Fanny J. Crosby’s most enduring hymns. It’s a moving prayer that conveys a longing for divine mercy, especially in moments of personal weakness or spiritual need.
The lyrics ask Jesus not to overlook the singer in their time of seeking grace, making it a heartfelt cry for attention and compassion.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 1868 |
| Writer | Fanny Jane Crosby |
| Notable Recordings | Mahalia Jackson, Bill Gaither, Selah, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson |
Complete Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior Lyrics
Pass me not, O gentle Savior,
hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
do not pass me by.
Refrain:
Savior, Savior, hear my humble cry;
while on others Thou art calling,
do not pass me by.
Let me at a throne of mercy
find a sweet relief,
kneeling there in deep contrition;
help my unbelief.
Trusting only in Thy merit,
Would I seek Thy face;
heal my wounded, broken spirit,
save me by Thy grace.
Thou, the Spring of all my comfort,
more than life to me;
Whom have I on earth beside Thee?
Whom in heav’n but Thee?
Similar Songs Like Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior
If you felt moved by the lyrics of Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior, you’ll likely enjoy more of Fanny Jane Crosby’s hymns:
- Blessed Assurance: This hymn is one of Fanny’s most loved songs. It celebrates peace and confidence in God, using calm and joyful praise.
- To God Be the Glory: A powerful anthem that praises God for salvation and grace. It’s often sung with strong voices and grateful hearts.
- Rescue the Perishing: An emotional hymn that calls believers to care for the hurting. It carries a strong message of compassion and Christian service.
Similar Hymn Writers Like Fanny Jane Crosby
If you appreciate Crosby’s timeless lyrics and devotion-filled songs, you’ll likely enjoy these other gospel hymn writers who shaped the sound of Christian worship during the same era:
- William H. Doane
Genre: Hymn Writing / Gospel
Top albums: Near the Cross (1869), More Love to Thee (1870), Safe in the Arms of Jesus (1871) - Philip P. Bliss
Genre: Hymn Writing / Gospel
Top albums: Hallelujah, What a Savior! (1875), Almost Persuaded (1871), Let the Lower Lights Be Burning (1871) - Ira D. Sankey
Genre: Gospel / Sacred Music
Top albums: The Ninety and Nine (1874), Faith Is the Victory (1891), There’ll Be No Dark Valley (1885) - Eliza E. Hewitt
Genre: Hymn Writing / Sunday School Gospel
Top albums: When We All Get to Heaven (1898), Sunshine in My Soul (1887), More About Jesus (1887) - Charlotte Elliott
Genre: Gospel / Hymn Writing
Top albums: Just As I Am (1835), My God, My Father While I Stray (1834), Christian, Seek Not Yet Repose (1836)
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior been Recorded by Artists?
Yes, it has been recorded by artists such as MC Hammer (as Do Not Pass Me By), Tramaine Hawkins, Reggie Houston, Cyrus Chestnut, Bill Gaither, Lyle Lovett, and even performed live by Bob Dylan.
What Bible Verse is Used in Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior?
The hymn echoes the plea of blind beggars to Jesus for mercy, as found in Matthew 20:29-31, Mark 10:46-52, and Luke 18:35-43.
