Tell Me the Old Old Story (Hymn)

Tell Me the Old, Old Story is a timeless Christian hymn that emphasizes the gospel message of Jesus Christ, His love, and redemption. Urging believers to hear and remember the story of salvation, the song highlights the importance of faith, God’s remedy for sin, and the eternal hope found in Christ.

VERSE 1
Tell me the old, old story
Of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory,
Of Jesus and His love.
Tell me the story simply,
As to a little child;
For I am weak and weary,
And helpless and defiled.

CHORUS
Tell me the old, old story;
Tell me the old, old story,
Tell me the old, old story
Of Jesus and His love.

VERSE 2
Tell me the story slowly,
That I may take it in –
That wonderful redemption,
God’s remedy for sin.
Tell me the story often,
For I forget so soon;
The early dew of morning
Has passed away at noon.

VERSE 3
Tell me the same old story
When you have cause to fear
That this world’s empty glory
Is costing me too dear.
Tell me the story always,
If you would really be,
In any time of trouble,
A comforter to me.

Story Behind the Song

In 1866, Arabella Katherine Hankey, an English missionary and nurse, faced a severe illness that confined her to bed for an extended period. During this time, she penned a lengthy poem titled “The Old, Old Story,” comprising two parts: “The Story Wanted” and “The Story Told.” The first part, completed on January 29, 1866, became the basis for the hymn “Tell Me the Old, Old Story.” The second part inspired the hymn “I Love to Tell the Story.” [1]

The poem gained attention when Major General Russell recited it at a YMCA convention in Montreal in 1867. Among the attendees was American composer William Howard Doane, who was moved by the poem and composed music for it, resulting in the hymn “Tell Me the Old, Old Story.” [2]

After recovering from her illness, Hankey resumed her teaching ministry with factory girls and later engaged in prison ministry. Her life reflected her commitment to sharing the gospel, embodying the message of her hymns. [3]