HYMNS AND THEIR STORIES – 18 “For All My Sin” Lyrics & Music: Norman John Clayton (1903–1992) orman Clayton was an American, born born on January 22nd 1903 in Brooklyn, New York. He belonged to a large family in which he was the ninth of ten children. His mother was a founding member of the South Brooklyn Gospel Church, and it was there that Norman became a Christian.
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At twelve years of age he held the elevated position of church organist – a post which he was to occupy over five decades. His main work was in the building industry, but he established his own publishing house called “Gospel Songs.” This was later taken over by the Rodeheaver Company.
1. It was His love for me that nailed Him to the Tree, To die in agony for all my sin; For my own guilt and blame the great Redeemer came, Willing to bear the shame of all my sin. Chorus: O what a Saviour is mine, In Him God’s mercies combine, His love can never decline, And He loves me. 2. To Calvary’s hill one day the Lord was led away, None else the price could pay for all my sin; He on the Cross was slain, yielding His life in pain, He felt the bitter strain of all my sin. 3. Was ever love so strong? Was ever crime so wrong? When Jesus suffered long, for all my sin; He saw my greatest need, became my Friend indeed, Through Him I have been freed of all my sin.
In 1942 he joined the Jack Wyrtzen “Word of Life” organisation, and provided music for radio broadcasts, crusade meetings and rallies. He wrote scores of hymns, Gospel songs and choruses, and among his well-known works are: “If we could see beyond today” “Now I belong to Jesus” “Some sweet day, by His grace” “We shall see His lovely face” He died on 1st June 1992 in Carmel, New York. This particular Gospel Song tells the story of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, with its indelible link to our own sinfulness. The first verse recounts how the Saviour “Loved me” “came for me” and “died in agony.” The second verse tells the truth that “None else the price could pay” for our forgiveness and salvation. He was “slain,” He was “in pain” and He “felt the bitter strain” of all our sin. The third verse asks poignant questions of us all, “Was ever love so strong? Was ever crime so wrong?” It testifies how the Lord saw our “greatest need” and as our “Friend indeed” enabled us to be “freed of all (our) sin.” For some reason this great Gospel Song seems less well-known, but it needs to be known and should be used today! Norman’s music ably fits his lyrics both in meter, style, tempo and with its included “grace notes.” A footnote printed with some music says, “Instrumental grace notes may be omitted” – but that is a pity, because the grace notes provide moments of thoughtfulness and wonder to the whole rendition. May God bless you as you play and sing this great song.
Anthony K. Chamberlain
