Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.
Matthew 19:14
Words: C. Herbert Woolston (1856–1927). Woolston was one of George Root’s favorite lyricists. Children often sing just the refrain, which is a song all to itself!
Music: George F. Root, 1864 (🔊 pdf nwc). Root originally wrote this tune for the American civil war song Tramp, Tramp, Tramp.
Jesus calls the children dear,
Come to Me and never fear,
For I love the little children of the world;
I will take you by the hand,
Lead you to the better land,
For I love the little children of the world.
Refrain
Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white,
All are precious in His sight,
Jesus loves the little children of the world.
[Alternate refrain:
Jesus died for all the children,
All the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white,
All are precious in His sight,
Jesus died for all the children of the world.]
Jesus is the Shepherd true,
And He’ll always stand by you,
For He loves the little children of the world;
He’s a Savior great and strong,
And He’ll shield you from the wrong,
For He loves the little children of the world.
Refrain
I am coming, Lord, to Thee,
And Your soldier I will be,
For You love the little children of the world;
And Your cross I’ll always bear,
And for You I’ll do and dare,
For You love the little children of the world.
Refrain