“The Lily Of The Valley” is a Christian hymn written by William Charles Fry for the Salvation Army on December 29, 1881.
Fry found his inspiration in writing this hymn after reading these words. “‘I am the rose of Sharon, And the lily of the valleys.’ Like a lily among thorns, So is my love among the daughters. Like an apple tree among the trees of the woods, So is my beloved among the sons. I sat down in his shade with great delight, And his fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banqueting house, And his banner over me was love.”
— Song of Solomon 2:1-4 [NKJ]
To Fry, Jesus was both the “beloved” in Song of Solomon, as well as, the lily of the valley. He wrote this hymn while being employed by the Salvation Army. The tune was later adapted from the son “Little Old Log Cabin” and composed by William Hayes.
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