Lelia Naylor Morris Grave

Hymn History: Sweeter as the Years Go By & Author: Lelia Naylor Morris

“Choosing to avoid the spotlight and content in her labours as a homemaker, Lelia N. Morris … was often composing while doing housework.”
(Melody Publications)

The Origin of the Hymn “Sweeter as the Years Go By”

The hymn “Sweeter as the Years Go By” has long held a cherished place among believers for its simple yet profound reminder of the deepening love Christians experience in their walk with Jesus Christ. Written in 1912, the hymn epitomizes the heartfelt expressions of devotion common in early 20th-century evangelical music, wrapped in a melody that still resonates across time.

The Hymnwriter: Lelia Naylor Morris (1862–1929)

The author of this hymn, Lelia Naylor Morris, was a prolific American hymnwriter and gospel songwriter whose legacy includes more than 1,000 hymns and gospel songs. Born on April 15, 1862, in Pennsville, Ohio, Morris began playing the organ as a teenager and was actively involved in the Methodist Episcopal Church. She became well known during her lifetime, particularly within Wesleyan circles, for her ability to compose music and lyrics that adeptly captured the emotion and theology of the Christian faith.

Despite personal hardship—including the gradual loss of her eyesight—Morris continued to compose hymns. Her son and daughter assisted her in her later years, helping her continue to write songs even when she could no longer see. One of the remarkable things about Morris is how her physical challenges never hindered her spiritual vision, which is beautifully reflected in masterpieces like “Sweeter as the Years Go By.”

Publication and Early Reception

“Sweeter as the Years Go By” first appeared in 1912, published in Songs of Revival No. 2, a hymnal edited by Morris herself in collaboration with Rev. Edwin Furnal. The hymn quickly found favor in churches and revival meetings, especially within the Holiness and Methodist traditions. Its message—centered on the increasing sweetness of Jesus’ love as one walks with Him—resonated deeply with Christians who cherished personal testimony and experiential faith.

The lyrics present a tender meditation on Christ’s life and sacrificial love, with the opening lines setting the tone:

“Of Jesus’ love that sought me
When I was lost in sin;
Of wondrous grace that brought me
Back to His fold again…”

The refrain, “Sweeter as the years go by,” echoes the core of the Christian experience: the longer one walks with Christ, the more precious His presence becomes.

This hymn was especially beloved during a time when congregational singing played a key role in communal worship and personal devotion. Its simple, heartfelt language made it accessible to all ages, fostering a spirit of personal gratitude.

Musical Structure and Message

Musically, “Sweeter as the Years Go By” is characterized by a lilting, memorable melody in a major key, which emphasizes joy and assurance. The tune gently swells during the refrain, making room for the repeated line, “Sweeter as the years go by,” to linger in the heart and mind. The overall effect is uplifting and deeply comforting.

The hymn’s theological focus lies in its reflection on the Christian’s growing relationship with Christ. The verses guide the worshiper through Jesus’ earthly ministry—His love for the lost, His sacrifice on the cross, and the believer’s ongoing experience of His presence. The refrain underscores a deepening love and appreciation:

“Sweeter as the years go by,
Sweeter as the years go by;
Richer, fuller, deeper,
Jesus’ love is sweeter,
Sweeter as the years go by.”

These words embody a seasoned believer’s testimony: that faith, like fine wine, matures beautifully over time.

Enduring Legacy

Over a century after its publication, “Sweeter as the Years Go By” remains a beloved classic in Protestant hymnody. It has appeared in numerous hymnals, both traditional and contemporary, and has been sung in churches worldwide. Its message has found a home not only in corporate worship but also in personal devotion, family gatherings, and special services honoring Christian longevity and faithfulness.

Morris’s hymns, including this one, are remembered not only for their poetic beauty but for their spiritual depth. She had a remarkable ability to crystallize sound biblical truths into concise lyrical form. In this hymn, she spoke to the universal Christian experience of growing in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

For those who walk closely with the Savior, “Sweeter as the Years Go By” continues to ring true. The hymn invites every listener to reflect on their own journey of faith and to appreciate the abiding love of Christ that becomes ever more precious with each passing year.