The King of Love my Shepherd is
by Charles Gounod
Poem by Henry W. Baker

One of the most beautiful of all classical sacred songs. The poem is based on Psalm 23.

Text: includes Ps. 103: 1-4, 19, Ps. 104:5

The King of Love my shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never.
I nothing lack for I am His, and He is mine forever.
Where streams of living waters flow, my ransomed soul He leadeth,
And where the verdant pastures grow, with food celestial feedeth.

Perverse and foolish, oft I strayed, but yet in love He sought me,
And on His shoulder gently laid, and home, rejoicing, brought me.
In death’s dark vale I fear no ill with Thee, dear Lord, beside me.
Thy rod and staff my comfort still, Thy cross before to guide me.

And so, through all the length of days Thy goodness faileth never.
Good shepherd, may I sing Thy praise forever and forever.