I’m only a little sparrow,
A bird of low degree;
My life is of little value,
But the dear Lord cares for me.
He gives me a coat of feathers—
It is very plain, I know;
Without a speck of crimson,
For it was not made for show.
But it keeps me warm in winter,
And it shields me from the rain;
Were it bordered with gold and purple,
Perhaps it would make me vain.
And now that the spring time cometh,
I will build me a little nest,
With many a chirp of pleasure—
In the spot I like the best.
I have no barn nor storehouse;
I neither sow nor reap;
God gives me a sparrow’s portion,
And never a seed to keep.
If my meat is sometimes scanty,
Close pecking makes it sweet;
I have always enough to feed me—
And life is more than meat.
I know there are many sparrows—
All over the world they are found,
But our heavenly Father knoweth
When one of us falls to the ground.
Though small, we are never forgotten;
Though weak, we are not afraid;
For we know that the dear Lord keepeth
The life of the creatures He made.
I fly through the thickest forest;
I alight on many a spray;
I have no chart nor compass,
But I never lose my way.
I just fold my wings at nightfall,
Wherever I happen to be,
For the Father is always watching,
And no harm can happen to me.
I am only a little sparrow,
A bird of low degree,
But I know that the Father loves me:
Dost thou know His love for thee?