1. When I’m sad and heavy laden,
Burdened with the weight of sin,
Jesus is the very friend I need;
To the bloodstained cross He points me,
And He gives me peace within,
Jesus is the very friend I need.

Refrain
O, He is the best of friends,
For His goodness never ends,
And His love will every human thought exceed;
Let me love Him more and more,
’Till I stand on glory’s shore;
O, Jesus is the very friend I need.

2. When I’m struggling with temptation,
When my strength shall almost fail,
Jesus is the very friend I need;
For His arm will bring deliverance,
And His grace will still prevail,
Jesus is the very friend I need. [Refrain]

3. When I drink the cup of sorrow,
When I tread the path of grief,
Jesus is the very friend I need;
In His Word is consolation,
In His presence sweet relief,
Jesus is the very friend I need. [Refrain]

4. When I reach the silent river,
When I wait beside the tide,
Jesus is the very friend I need;
He will bear me o’er the billows
To the radiant morning side,
Jesus is the very friend I need. [Refrain]