A Child of the King

By Harriet E. Buell

Lyrics

1. . My Father is rich in houses and lands,
He holdeth the wealth of the world in His hands!
Of rubies and diamonds, of silver and gold,
His coffers are full, He has riches untold.

Refrain:
I’m a child of the King,
A child of the King:
With Jesus my Savior,
I’m a child of the King!

2. . My Father’s own Son, the Savior of men,
Once wandered on earth as the poorest of them;
But now He is pleading our pardon on high,
That we may be His, when He comes by and by.

3. . I once was an outcast stranger on earth,
A sinner by choice, and an alien by birth,
But I’ve been adopted, my name’s written down,
An heir to a mansion, a robe and a crown.

4. . A tent or a cottage, why should I care?
They’re building a palace for me over there;
Though exiled from home, yet still may I sing:
All glory to God, I’m a child of the King!

Bible Reference

Romans 8:16-17

About This Hymn

Inspiration and Authorship
Harriet E. Buell, a poet and hymn writer, penned the words to “A Child of the King” in 1877 after being deeply moved by a Sunday morning sermon. The message focused on the believer’s identity and inheritance in Christ, emphasizing the transformation from spiritual poverty to heavenly royalty through salvation. Inspired by the richness of this truth, Buell wrote the lyrics as a poetic reflection of her gratitude and joy in being adopted into God's family.

Musical Composition
The music for the hymn was composed by John B. Sumner, a noted gospel musician of the era. His melody perfectly matched the triumphant tone of Buell’s lyrics, creating a hymn that resonated with congregations across the United States. The tune’s simplicity and warmth made it easy to sing and remember, helping the hymn quickly become popular in revival meetings and church services.

Message and Themes
“A Child of the King” expresses a powerful message of Christian identity, contrasting earthly hardship with spiritual wealth. The hymn reminds believers that no matter their material circumstances, they are heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven. Its verses describe the contrast between temporal poverty and eternal inheritance, and the refrain joyfully proclaims, “I’m the child of a King!”—a declaration of belonging and divine favor.

Legacy and Impact
Over the decades, “A Child of the King” has remained a favorite among Christians for its reassuring and uplifting message. It continues to be sung in churches, particularly in traditional and evangelical settings, offering encouragement to those facing trials. The hymn’s enduring appeal lies in its reminder of the unshakable identity found in Christ—a timeless truth that continues to inspire worshippers across generations.