Bud Lyles

Bud Lyles is a little-documented gospel songwriter whose name appears in hymnological records primarily through a single known contribution. As noted in Hymnary sources, there is no substantial biographical information available about his life, including his birth and death dates, place of origin, or ministerial background. This places him among the many lesser-known figures in hymn history whose personal stories remain largely unrecorded.

Despite this scarcity of information, Bud Lyles is credited with authoring the hymn “I Know I Am Saved.” The title itself reflects a strong evangelical emphasis on assurance of salvation, a theme that has been especially prominent in gospel music traditions. Hymns of this nature often aim to provide believers with confidence in their relationship with Christ, drawing upon scriptural teachings such as 1 John 5:13, which speaks of knowing that one has eternal life through faith in the Son of God.

The style and theme of Lyles’s hymn suggest connections to the Southern Gospel or revivalist traditions, where personal testimony and assurance are central elements of worship and song. Such hymns are typically written in simple, direct language, making them accessible for congregational singing and effective in evangelistic settings.

Although Bud Lyles did not leave behind a large body of work or a widely known biography, his contribution demonstrates how even a single hymn can serve a meaningful purpose within the life of the Church. His work continues to represent the voice of personal faith and confidence in salvation, encouraging believers to rest in the finished work of Christ.