Will Lamertine Thompson wrote this hymn in 1880. The lyrics are based on Matthew 11:28, which reads, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
“Softly and Tenderly” is Thompson’s best known composition and has been widely translated. It has spread throughout many Christian denominations beyond its origins in the American Restoration Movement and the Churches of Christ, where Thompson was a member.
I hope you find comfort in this lyre arrangement!
Mystical Strings 
I can surely understand why this transcends all Christian denominations. It is so lovely played on the lyre. It is a tender song – the lyrics and music. What a gift to the world.
Thank you, Lynda. I feel the same way about this song. My dad would often sing this on Sunday mornings when I was little.