This inspiring hymn was written by a wealthy business man and musician who realized that God was all the world to Him. In turn, he dedicated his life to writing only sacred music.
As a result, his hymns, particularly Softly and Tenderly, ministered to thousands of people. Even the famous evangelist Dwight Moody wished at his deathbed that he would’ve penned such a song that intimately portrays God and His longing for His people.
This song is still beloved and well-known among Christians and has been sung in movies, funerals of important people, churches and homes.
Vocal Female
- Audrey Assad: From the album “Inheritance” Deluxe Edition (2016)
- Sara Groves: From the compilation “Hymns 4 Worship, Vol. 2 Just As I Am” (2005)
- Carrie Underwood: From the album “My Saviour” (2021)
Vocal Male
- Don Moen: From the album “Hymnbook” (2012)
- Alan Jackson: From the album “Precious Memories” (2006)
- Daniel Beck: From the album “Abide With Me” (2011)
- Guy Penrod: From the album “Hymns” (2012)
- Billy Gaines: From the album “Ten Thousand Angels” (2005)
Vocal Ensemble
- Keith and Kristyn Getty: From the album “Evensong – Hymns and Lullabies at Close of Day” (2020)
- The Emmanuel Quartet: From the album “Hymns: A Legacy of Inspiration” (2015)
- The Cathedrals: From the album “Worship His Glory” (1993)
- Heritage Singers: From the album “A capella” (1994)
- Mormon Tabernacle Choir: From the album “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing: American Folk Hymn and Spirituals” (2009)
Instrumental Piano
- Joshua David Harris: From the album “Hymns of Worship, Vol. 2” (2016)
- Chris Springer: From the album “Piano Hymns and Worship” (2012)
- “Timeless Hymns, Vol. 1” (2020)
- Jeff Bjorck: “This I Know: Ageless Hymns of Faith” (2007)
- Park So Jung: “Every Amazing Morning Piano” (2022)
- Phillip Keveren: “Softly and Tenderly: Classic Piano Meditations” (2004)
Instrumental Strings
- Zeno: “Fingerstyle Hymns Simple Guitar Arrangements 2” (2016)
- David Davidson: “Hymns of Hope: 22 Songs of Hope and Restoration” (2022)
- Jonathan Anderson: Single. “Softly and Tenderly” (2021)
- Bruce Kurnow: “Inspirational Harp: Hymns” (2014)
- Branches: “Guitar Hymns — Hymns from the Vineyard” (2007)
- Majesty Strings: “Jesus, I Come” (2002)
Instrumental Ensemble
- Eric Wyse and Paul Nelson: “Classic Hymns – Sweet Hour of Prayer – Hymns of Prayer” (2013)
- Mary Beth Carlson: “In the Garden: Songs of Comfort and Peace” (2010)
- Life Hymns Worship Trio: “Relaxing Worship Hymns, Vol. 2” (2020)
- Jaime Jorge: “Simply Classic Hymns, Vol. 1” (2003)
- Yoshie Ueno: “Amazing Grace – Favorite Hymns Flute” (2011)
- The Eden Symphony Orchestra: “Philharmonic Hymns – Orchestral Hymns, Vol. 3” (2009)
An Invitation to Come Home
This is a typical lullaby in the gospel hymn tradition that characterizes Jesus as a mother, gently rocking and comforting a child. This attribute contributes to the continuing popularity of this genre of religious song that presents Jesus as waiting, caring, and forgiving in intimate—and for many, compelling—metaphors.
