Tell Me the Old, Old Story is a timeless hymn that centers on the fundamental gospel message of Jesus Christ and His redemptive love. The lyrics express a deep longing for the simple and faithful proclamation of salvation, emphasizing God’s character as a compassionate Savior to those who are weak and weary.
By presenting redemption as the divine remedy for sin, the song encourages believers to keep the eternal promises of Christ at the center of their faith. It serves as a reverent plea for the comfort found in the Savior’s glory, reminding the soul that true wholeness and hope are found in Him alone.
VERSE 1
Tell me the old, old story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory of Jesus and His love.
Tell me the story simply, As to a little child;
For I am weak and weary, and helpless and defiled.
CHORUS
Tell me the old, old story; Tell me the old, old story,
Tell me the old, old story of Jesus and His love.
VERSE 2
Tell me the story slowly, That I may take it in –
That wonderful redemption, God’s remedy for sin.
Tell me the story often, For I forget so soon;
The early dew of morning has passed away at noon.
CHORUS
Tell me the old, old story; Tell me the old, old story,
Tell me the old, old story of Jesus and His love.
VERSE 3
Tell me the story softly, With earnest tones and grave;
Remember I’m the sinner Whom Jesus came to save.
Tell me the story always, If you would really be,
In any time of trouble, A comforter to me.
CHORUS
Tell me the old, old story; Tell me the old, old story,
Tell me the old, old story of Jesus and His love.
VERSE 4
Tell me the same old story When you have cause to fear
That this world’s empty glory Is costing me too dear.
Yes, and when that world’s glory Is dawning on my soul,
Tell me the old, old story: “Christ Jesus makes thee whole.”
CHORUS
Tell me the old, old story; Tell me the old, old story,
Tell me the old, old story of Jesus and His love.
The Story of the Simple Gospel
Believers often find themselves overwhelmed by complex theological debates when their hearts simply long for the foundational truth of Jesus. This beloved hymn addresses the universal human experience of weariness and the deep need for spiritual clarity.
Kate Hankey wrote these lines while confined to her bed during a period of prolonged illness. She recognized that a weak state of health makes it difficult to process complicated ideas or technical expressions. She requested that the story be told as to a little child to emphasize that the gospel belongs to the humble. The lyrics focus on unseen things above and point our eyes toward the eternal glory and love of Christ.
We are reminded that even seasoned Christians can forget the wonder of salvation and need constant reminders of grace. By asking for the story to be told slowly and often, the song creates space for the soul to absorb redemption. It serves as a prayer for those who feel helpless to find wholeness in the Savior’s completed work. To live out this truth, we should seek opportunities to hear and share the gospel with childlike simplicity every day.
The Timeless Message of Old Story
Tell me the story simply, as to a little child highlights our desperate need for a clear and accessible understanding of salvation. This sentiment aligns perfectly with the teaching of Jesus regarding how we should approach the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3 NKJV. The song explains that the gospel is not meant to be a technical or confusing doctrine for the elite.
That wonderful redemption, God’s remedy for sin focuses our attention on the central work of Christ on the cross. The Bible teaches that we are justified and made right with God only through the sacrificial blood of His Son. Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:24 NKJV. This phrase reminds every listener that the old story is the only true solution for the spiritual problem of sin.
Christ Jesus makes thee whole serves as a powerful declaration of the restorative power found in the Savior. While these specific words appear in the biblical account of a physical healing, the hymn applies them to our spiritual state. And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. Acts 9:34 NKJV. In the context of the song, this wholeness represents the complete peace we find when we turn from worldly glory.
Story Behind the Hymn
In 1866, Arabella Katherine Hankey, an English missionary and nurse, faced a severe illness that confined her to bed for an extended period. During this time, she penned a lengthy poem titled “The Old, Old Story,” comprising two parts: “The Story Wanted” and “The Story Told.” The first part, completed on January 29, 1866, became the basis for the hymn “Tell Me the Old, Old Story.” The second part inspired the hymn “I Love to Tell the Story.” [1]
The poem gained attention when Major General Russell recited it at a YMCA convention in Montreal in 1867. Among the attendees was American composer William Howard Doane, who was moved by the poem and composed music for it, resulting in the hymn “Tell Me the Old, Old Story.” [2]
After recovering from her illness, Hankey resumed her teaching ministry with factory girls and later engaged in prison ministry. Her life reflected her commitment to sharing the gospel, embodying the message of her hymns. [3]
Digging Deeper
One point of historical interest involves the added refrain, which was not part of the author’s original 1866 text. William Doane added the chorus to fit the popular Gospel Song style of the late 19th century. Records suggest that Hankey actually disapproved of this addition because she preferred her original stanzas to stand alone.
Some critics in the late 20th century occasionally parodied the word story, fearing it might imply the gospel is a fiction. However, theologians have largely defended the song, noting that story is a scripturally valid way to express truth. This hymn is certainly not AI-generated, as its origins are firmly documented in the middle of the 19th century.
Tell Me the Old Story Relevant Bible Verses
Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3 NKJV
Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:24 NKJV
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. Ephesians 1:7 NKJV
And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. Acts 9:34 NKJV
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 1 Timothy 1:15 NKJV
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NKJV
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15 NKJV
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NKJV
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Related themes you might want to include Tell Me Old Old Story in your list of songs for worship that centered around Love of God, Life Story Witnessing, Love for God, Obedience
Tell Me the Old, Old Story Lyrics by Arabella Katherine Hankey (1866) and Music by William Howard Doane (1867). This hymn is in the Public Domain.