Nearer My God to Thee

Nearer My God to Thee is a song of suffering. The first verse goes:

Nearer my God to Thee, nearer to Thee.
E’en though it be a cross
that raises me,
Still all my song shall be Nearer my God to Thee,
Nearer my God to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.

Playing blues takes a great deal of personal interpretation. I haven't come near to indicating all the phrasing and dynamics you will want to incorporate. Only, take care to perform this reverently, not like bar room jazz. Bring out the title phrase, both at the beginning and end.

I had some concern that people in the congregation might not accept blues. But the compliments I received for this piece were enthusiastic and sincere.

Always keep the hymn text in mind. To draw nearer to Jesus still means to experience opposition, as in Matthew 5.11

Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven. For so men persecuted the prophets before you.