It might still be possible. But my guess is, it’s rare. And I mean it’s rare for a person to have a lyricist career anymore. Especially since actual lyrics, with solid meter and rhyme. But something I shared yesterday led me to look a little more closely at the life of Johnson Oatman Jr.
Ironically, Mr. Oatman didn’t really have a lyricist career.
And that’s despite the fact that he wrote lyrics to somewhere around 5000 songs. And if you’ve lived a few decades (and attended church), you’ve probably sung one or more of them.
Johnson Oatman Jr. lived from 1856 to 1922 and was an ordained Methodist Episcopal minister. And he pastored only in local churches because he worked in the insurance and retail industries. I’m sure that kept him busy. So, it was quite an accomplishment to author lyrics for 5000 songs.
An article I read included Bible verses that provided inspiration for Oatman’s “Count Your Blessings” song. And I figured you might be interested, so here are those verses…
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12
“And if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the LORD your God.
Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field.
And blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. And blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.” – Deuteronomy 28:1-6
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” – Jeremiah 17:7-8
One other serendipitous factoid about Mr. Oatman. He died in the same town and county where my Grandparents died and where my Dad was born. Norman, Oklahoma in Cleveland County.
Finally, here are the lyrics to the famous hymn. And I hope you enjoyed this short story behind them.
Count Your Blessings
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Chorus:
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
And count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
(by John Oatman & E.O. Excell)
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