Someone's Last Call

“Someone’s Last Call” by Edna Randolph Worrell is a deeply sobering gospel hymn that carries an urgent message about the brevity of life and the necessity of responding to God’s call to salvation without delay. Written during the early 20th century, the hymn reflects the evangelistic tone of revival-era songs that appealed to the conscience and emotions of listeners, urging them to make peace with God before it was too late.

The hymn’s central theme is the uncertainty of tomorrow. It warns that each time the gospel is preached, someone may be hearing it for the very last time. The phrase “someone’s last call” conveys the solemn reality that life is fleeting, and opportunities to accept Christ can quickly pass. Worrell’s lyrics echo the message of Scripture that salvation is not to be postponed or taken lightly. “Now is the accepted time,” Paul wrote to the Corinthians, reminding believers and unbelievers alike that God’s call demands immediate response.

In its verses, the hymn often paints vivid scenes of a church service, an evangelistic meeting, or a quiet moment when the Spirit of God speaks to the heart. It captures the conviction of the Holy Spirit working in the soul of a sinner, contrasted with the tragic possibility of rejection. Each stanza builds emotional and spiritual tension, calling the listener to consider eternity and the danger of delay.

The refrain serves as a haunting reminder, both compassionate and pleading. It does not merely scold or threaten but appeals out of love, as though the singer were reaching out to rescue a perishing soul. This emotional honesty makes the hymn especially powerful in invitation services, where preachers would give one final appeal before closing the meeting.

Musically, “Someone’s Last Call” carries the reflective and pleading tone typical of early gospel songs. Its melody is simple, allowing congregations and soloists alike to sing it with heartfelt sincerity. The tune moves gently, matching the seriousness of the message while still maintaining a sense of grace and hope.

Doctrinally, Worrell’s hymn upholds key biblical truths: the urgency of salvation, the reality of divine calling, and the limited nature of human opportunity. It reminds believers that conviction is a work of the Holy Spirit, and when God calls, it is both a privilege and a responsibility to answer. The hymn also serves as a challenge to Christians to evangelize faithfully, for any act of witness might reach someone standing at eternity’s door.

Edna Randolph Worrell, known for writing both stirring gospel songs and reflective poems, often combined a tender heart for souls with strong biblical conviction. “Someone’s Last Call” exemplifies her gift for writing hymns that moved listeners to deep spiritual reflection. Her works were widely used in evangelistic campaigns, especially in the southern United States, and often appeared in revival songbooks during the early 1900s.

“Someone’s Last Call” continues to stand as a solemn appeal to heed God’s voice today. It reminds every listener that the invitation of grace is precious and not to be ignored. The hymn’s message remains as timely now as when it was first sung: no one knows how many more chances remain to respond to God’s loving call. To delay is to risk eternity; to answer is to gain everlasting life.