Lyrics
Verse 1
Oh, Lord hold my hand while I run this race. (x2)
Oh, Lord hold my hand while I run this race,
I don't want to run this race in vain, this race in vain.
Verse 2
Oh, guide my feet while I run this race. (x2)
Oh, guide my feet while I run this race,
I don't want to run this race in vain, this race in vain.
Verse 3
Oh, Lord speak for me while I run this race. (x2)
Oh, Lord speak for me while I run this race,
I don't want to run this race in vain, this race in vain.
Vamp
I don't want,
I don't want.
Ending
I don't want to run this race in vain, this race in vain.
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Lord, Hold My Hand” by The Canton Spirituals is a quartet-style gospel prayer for help in the Christian race. Each verse makes the same request in a different form: “Lord, hold my hand while I run this race,” then “guide my feet,” then “speak for me,” all with the same reason, “I don’t want to run this race in vain.”
The lines are short and repeated, so the singer can add a lead part over a steady answer from the group. The vamp and ending return to the single phrase “I don’t want,” leaving the sentence unfinished until the final line. The structure gives the song the feel of a prayer repeated until it becomes a vow.
The themes are close to Hebrews 12:1, Psalm 73:23 and 1 Corinthians 9:24, on running with endurance, being held by God’s right hand and running so as to win.
Related Scripture
- Hebrews 12:1 Run with endurance the race set before us
- Psalm 73:23 You hold my right hand
- 1 Corinthians 9:24 Run in such a way as to get the prize