1 He lifted my burden of sorrow and sin,
The blood of his cleansing has washed me within;
He gave me the power new life to begin,
O what a dear friend is Jesus!

Refrain:
O what a dear friend is Jesus!
Such wonderful things he does for me,
Tho' only one step each day I see;
The joy of my life indeed is he,
O what a dear friend is Jesus!

2 He comes to my rescue whenever I call,
I'm safe in his keeping, no harm can befall;
Tho' failures be many, yet spite of them all,
O what a dear friend is Jesus! [Refrain]

3 My path may be thorny and dangers dismay,
His wonderful promise all fears will allay:
"Lo, I will be with you by night and by day:"
O what a dear friend is Jesus! [Refrain]

4 With Jesus beside me I fear not the foe,
His arm of protection around me he'll throw;
His goodness and mercy my cup overflow,
O what a dear friend is Jesus! [Refrain]