The Children Sing (1951), no. 45
I’ll Serve the Lord While I am Young

1. I’ll serve the Lord while I am young, And in my early days, Devote the music of my tongue To my Redeemer’s praise. I’ll praise his name, that he has giv’n Me parentage and birth Among the most beloved of heav’n That dwell upon the earth.

2. O Lord, my parents here preserve, To teach me righteousness, That my young feet may never swerve From paths of holiness. And, like the faithful ones of old Who now behold thy face, May I be formed in virtues mould To fill a holy place.

3. While youth and beauty sweetly twine, Their garlands round my head, I’ll seek at wisdom’s sacred shrine, The gems that never fade. Long may I sing thy praises here Among thy saints below, And in eternity appear With them in glory too.