Songs in the Hymns of Grace Hymnal
Dec 26, 2025
I Cannot Tell Why
Lyrics
1. I cannot tell why he, whom angels worship,
should set his love upon the sons of men,
or why, as Shepherd, he should seek the wanderers,
to bring them back, they know not how or when.
But this I know, that he was born of Mary
when Bethl'em's manger was his only home,
and that he lived at Nazareth and laboured,
and so the Saviour, Saviour of the world, is come.
should set his love upon the sons of men,
or why, as Shepherd, he should seek the wanderers,
to bring them back, they know not how or when.
But this I know, that he was born of Mary
when Bethl'em's manger was his only home,
and that he lived at Nazareth and laboured,
and so the Saviour, Saviour of the world, is come.
2. I cannot tell how silently he suffered,
as with his peace he graced this place of tears,
or how his heart upon the cross was broken,
the crown of pain to three and thirty years.
But this I know, he heals the broken-hearted
and stays our sin and calms our lurking fear
and lifts the burden from the heavy laden;
for still the Saviour, Saviour of the world is here.
as with his peace he graced this place of tears,
or how his heart upon the cross was broken,
the crown of pain to three and thirty years.
But this I know, he heals the broken-hearted
and stays our sin and calms our lurking fear
and lifts the burden from the heavy laden;
for still the Saviour, Saviour of the world is here.
3. I cannot tell how he will win the nations,
how he will claim his earthly heritage,
how satisfy the needs and aspirations
of east and west, of sinner and of sage.
But this I know, all flesh shall see his glory,
and he shall reap the harvest he has sown,
and some glad day his sun will shine in splendour
when he the Saviour, Saviour of the world, is known.
how he will claim his earthly heritage,
how satisfy the needs and aspirations
of east and west, of sinner and of sage.
But this I know, all flesh shall see his glory,
and he shall reap the harvest he has sown,
and some glad day his sun will shine in splendour
when he the Saviour, Saviour of the world, is known.
4. I cannot tell how all the lands shall worship,
when at his bidding every storm is stilled,
or who can say how great the jubilation
when every heart with love and joy is filled.
But this I know, the skies will thrill with rapture,
and myriad myriad human voices sing,
and earth to heav'n, and heav'n to earth, will answer,
'at last the Saviour, Saviour of the world, is King!'
when at his bidding every storm is stilled,
or who can say how great the jubilation
when every heart with love and joy is filled.
But this I know, the skies will thrill with rapture,
and myriad myriad human voices sing,
and earth to heav'n, and heav'n to earth, will answer,
'at last the Saviour, Saviour of the world, is King!'
Bible Reference
Psalm 2:8-9; Isaiah 40:5; Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 19:11-16
About This Hymn
“I Cannot Tell Why” is a reflective hymn written by W. Y. Fullerton in 1905. The hymn is best known for its humble acknowledgment that the love of Christ surpasses human understanding. Rather than attempting to explain the mystery of the incarnation and the atonement, the text responds with reverent wonder, faith, and gratitude.
The hymn centers on the person and work of Jesus Christ. It contemplates why the Son of God would leave heavenly glory, take on human flesh, and suffer for sinners. While the singer confesses an inability to fully comprehend these truths, there is no doubt expressed about their reality or their saving power. This balance between mystery and assurance reflects a deeply biblical approach to faith.
A key theme of the hymn is Christ’s sacrificial love. The text draws attention to His humility, obedience, and willingness to endure suffering for the redemption of humanity. These themes echo New Testament teaching that salvation flows from God’s love rather than human merit or understanding.
The hymn also emphasizes trust. Even without full comprehension, the believer rests confidently in what Christ has done and in what He will yet accomplish. The final outlook is one of hope, pointing forward to Christ’s reign, victory, and the fulfillment of God’s purposes.
“I Cannot Tell Why” has remained a cherished hymn because of its sincerity, doctrinal soundness, and devotional warmth. It is especially suitable for worship services focused on the love of Christ, the incarnation, redemption, and the humble response of faith before divine mystery.
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Hymn Information
- Category: Hymn
- Author/Writer: W. Y. Fullerton (1920)
- Added: December 27, 2025
- Last Updated: December 27, 2025
- Views: 13
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