Thou Blessed Man of God

Lyricist. William H. Gardner

Publisher. M. Witmark & Sons

Date. 1911

Key/Range. C Major (c' -- e")

COMMENTARY

Described as a “Sacred Song” on its title page, “He Giveth His Beloved Sleep” was created for inclusion in church services was listed in the Sacred Music category of M. Witmark & Sons’ catalogue. Centered on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, William H. Gardner’s lyric used the phrase “His beloved sleep” to invoke the image of the resurrected savior without ever mentioning him by name. In turn, the gift of sleep is given as a reassurance that faith will lead believers to everlasting life. The song’s dedication “by the Author to the beloved memory of his Mother” is by Gardner and not Tours, whose mother died in 1929.