Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. - Luke 12:6
Civilla Martin was the wife of a well-known evangelist. In 1904 they were in a revival in Elmira, NY. She was told of an elderly couple, who had been stalwarts of the church, but were now housebound and bedridden. Civilla was only 38 years old and full of life. A depressing mental picture of them formed and though she knew she should, she really did not want to visit them. Then she was told that they had praying for the Martins. Convicted, she decided she must call on them. When she entered their home she found a bright, cheery place filled with life and joy. Civilla asked the woman how they could be so joyful in their circumstances? The lady's reply became the inspiration for this song. The words came easily as she created a poem on the thought. She sent it to composer Charles H. Gabriel. He wrote the music and sent the song to well-known song evangelist Charles M. Alexander. He showed it to R. A. Torrey, president of Moody Bible Institute, who was conducting revivals in London. He built a sermon around the song and it was introduced at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall. However, Gabriel's tune and cadence was so unique, and Civilla's words so personal, though well-received, the song was not suited for congregational singing. Her "God Will Take Care Of You" became much more popular.
In the 1940s, committed Christian, Ethel Waters, was an actress, cabaret performer, blues singer, radio and film star. She found this song and began singing it in her shows. Young evangelist Billy Graham heard her and asked her to sing it at his crusades. This led Ethel to the forefront of the gospel music world where she stayed the rest of her life. At age 71, frail and ill, she performed at the White House. President Nixon's only request was this song. And the saint's answer to Civilla's question that went from a shut-in's bedroom in 1904 to the White House in 1971? "It's the sparrows, child. If His eye is on the sparrows, then I know He watches me too." This inspired Civilla to write these now familiar words
Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely And long for heaven and home
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He,
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain
I sing because I'm happy;
I sing because I'm free.
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
- Civilla D. Martin, 1905
Copied from Sing to the Lord, Copyright 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Company, Page 103.
Hymn commentary courtesy J. D. Sherrow
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