"Higher Ground" is a Christian song written by Johnson Oatman, Jr. This hymn has been performed by many artists since its creation. The lyrics praise the glory of God as the refrain says "Lord, plant my feet on higher ground." Learn more about the background of Johnson Oatman, Jr. and watch video performances of this hymn below!
1. I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Refrain:
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s tableland,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
2. My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where those abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.
3. I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.
4. I want to scale the utmost height
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till heaven I’ve found,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Source: 50 Favorites: and July 2013 index of supplement to Evening Light Songs #19
The Story Behind Higher Ground (I'm Pressing on the Upward Way)
Johnson Oatman, Jr. was born near Medford, New Jersey, April 21, 1856. His father was an accomplished singer and Johnson always enjoyed to hear him sing the hymns of the faith.
Mr. Oatman received his education at Herbert's Academy in Princetown and the New Jersey Collegiate Institute in Bordentown. At the age of nineteen, he joined the M.E. Church, and a few years later he was granted a license to preach the Gospel, and later he was ordained by Bishop Merrill. However, Mr. Oatman only served as a local preacher.
He has written over three thousand hymns, and no gospel songbook is regarded as being complete unless it includes some of his hymns.
Source: hymnary.org
