97. "If I were a voice"

1 If I were a voice, a persuasive voice,
That could travel this wide world through;
I would fly on the beams of the morning light,
I would speak to men with a gentle might,
I'd tell them to be true.
I would fly, I would fly over land and sea,
Wherever a human heart could be;
Telling a tale, or singing a song,
In praise of the right, or in blame of the wrong.

Chorus:
I would fly, I would fly,
I would fly, I would fly,
I would fly over land and sea.

2 If I were a voice, a consoling voice,
I would fly on the wings of air;
The homes of sorrow and guilt I'd seek,
And calm and truthful words I'd speak,
To save them from despair.
I would fly, I would fly o'er the crowded town,
I'd drop like the happy sunbeam down
Into the hearts of suffering men,
I'd teach them to look up again. Chorus]

3 If I were a voice, an immortal voice,
That could travel this wide world round;
Wherever man to his idols bowed,
I'd publish in notes both long and loud,
The gospel's joyful sound.
I would fly, I would fly on the wings of day,
Proclaiming peace on my world-wide way;
Bidding this saddened earth rejoice,
If I were a voice, an immortal voice. [Chorus]

Text Information
First Line: If I were a voice, a persuasive voice
Title: "If I were a voice"
Refrain First Line: I would fly, I would fly
Publication Date: 1877
Tune Information
Name: [If I were a voice, a persuasive voice]
Composer: Knowles Shaw
Key: B♭ Major



Media
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