- Free sheet music for SATB Choir and Piano (free downloadable MP3 also available at this link)
“Give,” Said the Little Stream
Fanny J. Crosby • William B. Bradbury
Performed by Choirworks Radio Singers
Directed by M. Ryan Taylor
A little stream. A little rain. A simple invitation to give.
“Give,” Said the Little Stream has been a beloved children’s song in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for generations, where it has appeared in the Children’s Songbook and become part of the musical memory of countless Primary children. But its story reaches well beyond Latter-day Saint culture.
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The words were written by Fanny J. Crosby (1820–1915), one of the most prolific and influential hymn writers in American Christian history. Blind from infancy, Crosby wrote thousands of hymns, gospel songs, and poems, many of which became part of the musical life of Protestant churches and Sunday schools. Her songs include such enduring Christian favorites as “Blessed Assurance,” “To God Be the Glory,” and “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior.”
The music for “Give,” Said the Little Stream” was written by William B. Bradbury (1816–1868), a major figure in 19th-century American church and Sunday-school music. Bradbury’s tunes helped shape the accessible, memorable style of congregational and children’s singing that spread throughout American Christianity.
The song’s central image is wonderfully simple: the stream gives water, the rain gives life, and even something small can make a difference. The final verse turns that image toward Christian discipleship: there is something all can give.
That message has made this little song surprisingly enduring—not only among Latter-day Saints, but across the broader Christian hymn tradition. It has appeared in numerous Christian hymnals and collections for children and Sunday schools.
For Choirworks Radio Singers, this recording is a celebration of a song that many of us first learned as children—and perhaps understand a little differently now that we are grown.
CHOIRWORKS RADIO SINGERS
Choirworks Radio Singers is a recording ensemble founded and directed by composer and choral conductor M. Ryan Taylor. Rather than functioning primarily as a concert choir, the ensemble focuses on creating expressive, human-sounding choral recordings of music old and new.
Featuring:
M. Ryan Taylor, director
Amy Carlin
Lauren Harrison
Matthew Carlin
Matt Lees
Mikayla Batschi
Taci Miner
Words: Fanny J. Crosby (1820–1915)
Music: William B. Bradbury (1816–1868)
“Give,” Said the Little Stream is part of the musical heritage shared by generations of Christian singers. We hope this recording brings back a memory—and perhaps gives you a new reason to sing it.
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I would love to hear your choir perform this piece! Please consider sending me a recording, photos, a copy of your program, or a link to your performance at ryan@choirworks.com.
With your permission, I may share selected recordings, photos, or performance information through Choirworks’ website and social media to help introduce your ensemble to other singers and conductors—and to help other choirs discover this piece. Thank you for giving this work a life beyond the page!