I’d Rather Have Jesus

In 1922, Rhea Florence Ross Miller reflected on her father’s testimony of his deliverance from alcoholism. She recalled how he testified that he would rather have Jesus than all the gold and silver in the world. He said he would rather have Jesus than all the houses and land that money could buy. That reflection led to what would become the well-known song I’d Rather Have Jesus.

About ten years later, George Beverly Shea (1909-2013) wrote the music for I’d Rather Have Jesus (circa 1932). He copyrighted the music in 1939. In his book How Sweet the Sound, Shea describes the circumstances in this way, his discovering a poem by the piano one Sunday.

Shea’s association with Billy Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (from 1947 to 2013) doubtless helped boost the recognition and popularity of I’d Rather Have Jesus. It has also been recorded by many well-known artists, including Jim Reeves.

1. I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands.
I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hand:

2. I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame.
I’d rather be true to His holy name:

3. He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs.
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead:

Chorus:
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway.
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.