Edward Hammond Boatner was a remarkable composer renowned for arranging spirituals and church music. Born in 1898, he worked to preserve African-American spiritual songs.

He arranged over 200 songs, helping them reach a wider audience through concerts and books. And, also, his music was filled with deep emotion and strong faith.

Along with that, he also taught music and shared his knowledge with young singers. His work played a significant role in preserving spirituals as a distinctive part of American music history.

About the Song

” He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” is a traditional song that conveys a message of hope, faith, and comfort for all people.

The lyrics remind listeners that no matter what happens, a higher power is watching over everyone. Its simple tune and words make it easy to sing and remember.

Although there is no official lyricist of this spiritual, the first publication can be found in Edward Hammond Boatner’s hymnal Spirituals Triumphant, Old and New, in 1927.

He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands Lyrics

He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.
He’s got the wind and the rain in His hands,
He’s got the wind and the rain in His hands,
He’s got the wind and the rain in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.

He’s got the sun and the moon in His hands,
He’s got the sun and the moon in His hands,
He’s got the sun and the moon in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.

He’s got the little bitty baby in His hands,
He’s got the little bitty baby in His hands,
He’s got the little bitty baby in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.

He’s got you and me Brother in His hands,
He’s got you and me Brother in His hands,
He’s got you and me Brother in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.

He’s got you and me Sister in His hands,
He’s got you and me Sister in His hands,
He’s got you and me Sister in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.

He’s got everybody here in His hands,
He’s got everybody here in His hands,
He’s got everybody here in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.

Similar Songs Like He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands

These songs share themes of faith, perseverance, and spiritual hope, much like the uplifting message found in this beloved folk tune:

• “On Ma Journey“: This song celebrates the spiritual journey toward freedom and salvation, expressing hope and perseverance through life’s struggles, with a memorable, uplifting melody.
• “Trampin’”: It reflects longing for a heavenly home, capturing the weariness of earthly life and the comfort found in faith and spiritual endurance.

Similar Composers Like Edward Hammond Boatner

Below are composers, like Boatner, who helped shape the sound of African-American spirituals and brought meaning and beauty to sacred music:

• Harry T. Burleigh
  Genre: Spirituals, Classical Art Song
  Top Albums/Collections: Deep River, Jubilee Songs of the United States
• R. Nathaniel Dett
  Genre: Spirituals, Choral, Classical
  Top Albums/Collections: The Chariot Jubilee, Listen to the Lambs
• William L. Dawson
  Genre: Spirituals, Choral, Orchestral
  Top Albums/Collections: Negro Folk Symphony, Spirituals (choral arrangements)
• William Grant Still
  Genre: Classical, Orchestral, Spirituals
  Top Albums/Collections: Afro-American Symphony, Here’s One

Frequently Asked Questions

Have Famous Singers Recorded Boatner’s Version?

Yes, renowned artists like Marian Anderson and Paul Robeson have performed and recorded Boatner’s spiritual arrangements.

How did Boatner Contribute to Spiritual Music?

He preserved, arranged, and published spirituals, helping to popularize them in both sacred and concert settings.

What Role did Boatner Play in Music Education?

Boatner was a professor, conductor, and author of music theory books, influencing generations of musicians and singers.