Thursday Hymn Reflection: “Where Could I Go?”

[NOTE: Each Thursday, we reflect on a hymn. Most are suggested by our readers. If you would like us to reflect on your favorite songs of worship, leave a comment with up to three suggestions. By the way, we have only 10 suggestions left “in queue” from our readers, so we need more of your favorites!]

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One of the most widely-recorded hymns of the last 100 years, “Where Could I Go?” is a favorite to many. Written just 70 years ago by James Coats, the song is one that has a very simple melody line, but has stood the test of time due to its statement of complete trust in God.

The apostle Paul wrote that God is “the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). That passage is one I have used in nearly every funeral service in which I have been asked to speak. It is one of the Scriptures that reminds us to turn all things, even our great hurts, over to the Lord.

The lyrics of “Where Could I Go?” are really a statement of where our priorities are to be. I think that is most seen in the 2nd verse, where we sing that we get along with kind neighbors, but, “When my soul needs manna from above, where could I go but to the Lord?”

My favorite part of the song is one line in the chorus, “Seeking a refuge for my soul.” The word “refuge” is one we don’t use often, but it carries such great emotion with it. We need time away from the cares of this life, and we need a refuge from the hustle and bustle. Why would we ever go anywhere else but to the One in Whom we trust our life and our soul?

Here are the lyrics to this famous hymn:

Living below in this old sinful world,

Hardly a comfort can afford;

Striving alone to face temptations sore,

Where could I go but to the Lord?

Neighbors are kind, I love them ev’ry one,

We get along in sweet accord;

But when my soul needs manna from above,

Where could I go but to the Lord?

Life here is grand with friends I love so dear,

Comfort I get from God’s own word;

Yet when I face the chilling hand of death,

Where could I go but to the Lord?

Where could I go, O where could I go,

Seeking a refuge for my soul?

Needing a friend to save me in the end,

Where could I go but to the Lord?

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I decided to put several YouTube videos of this song on here, because it has a great history of being recorded. Some of these have instruments in them, but I decided to include them because it shows how popular this song has been. As you watch these, leave a comment with your thoughts on the hymn.

First, a good acapella congregational recording of the song from Dothan, Alabama:

Maybe the most famous recording of the song of all time was by Elvis Presley. Not only did he record the song, he also insisted that it be included in the program that became known as his 1968 “Comeback Special.” Here is a video of the recording, which includes pictures of that famous program.

Finally, many of you are familiar with the “Gaither Homecoming” series. What many do not realize is that the entire series was originally supposed to be just one song. Bill Gaither wanted to get some Southern Gospel singers together to record “Where Could I Go?” That eventually led to the entire series. Here is the video that started the entire Homecoming series (including a solo by one of my favorite voices of all time, Larry Gatlin):