HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW

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 1905

“His Eye Is on the Sparrow” is one of those hymns with a backstory as gentle and steady as the song itself.

Where it began

The hymn was written in the early 1900s by Civilla D. Martin (lyrics) and Charles H. Gabriel (music). Civilla and her husband were visiting friends in Elmira, New York—a Christian couple known as Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle.

The Doolittles had gone through serious hardship: illness, physical limitations, and ongoing struggles that would have crushed a lot of people. Yet what struck Civilla was their unshakable peace and joy. Curious, she asked how they stayed so hopeful.

Their answer was simple:

“His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”

That line stayed with her.

Writing the hymn

Moved by their faith, Civilla wrote a poem built around Jesus’ words from Matthew 10:29–31, where He reminds His followers that if God watches over sparrows, He surely watches over us.

Charles H. Gabriel then set the poem to music, and the hymn was published shortly after (commonly dated 1905–1906).

Why it resonated

The hymn’s power comes from its plainspoken trust:

  • God sees the small and overlooked

  • Fear doesn’t get the final word

  • Joy is possible even in suffering

The refrain says it all:

“I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.”

Legacy and cultural impact

Over time, the hymn crossed church walls and became a staple of American spiritual life. It’s especially associated with Mahalia Jackson, whose recordings helped cement it as a gospel classic. It’s also been sung by artists like Ethel Waters, Whitney Houston, and many others.

Today, it’s often used at:

  • Funerals and memorials

  • Moments of grief or uncertainty

  • Worship services focused on comfort and trust

Why it still matters

More than a century later, “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” endures because it speaks to a universal human need: to know we are seen, cared for, and not forgotten—especially when life feels heavy.

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