Resource Guide for Educators: The Creation of a Hymn
Although today it is a staple of African-American
worship services, the song was originally written in 1905 by two white
songwriters, lyricist Civilla D. Martin and composer Charles H. Gabriel. The
song is most associated with actress-singer Ethel Waters who used the title for
her autobiography.
The theme of the song is inspired by the words of David in the Psalms and Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew in the Bible: "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye (Psalm 32:8). "Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" (Matthew 6:26) and "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:29–31). Civilla Martin, who wrote the lyrics, said this about her inspiration to write the song based in the scriptures outlined above,
"Early in the spring of 1905, my husband and I were sojourning in Elmira, New York. We contracted a deep friendship for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle—true saints of God. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for nigh twenty years. Her husband was an incurable cripple who had to propel himself to and from his business in a wheel chair. Despite their afflictions, they lived happy Christian lives, bringing inspiration and comfort to all who knew them. One day while we were visiting with the Doolittles, my husband commented on their bright hopefulness and asked them for the secret of it. Mrs. Doolittle's reply was simple: "His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me." The beauty of this simple expression of boundless faith gripped the hearts and fired the imagination of Dr. Martin and me. The hymn "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" was the outcome of that experience." — Civilla Martin
Notable Performances of His Eye is on the Sparrow:
1952: Ethel Waters in the film The Member of the Wedding
1956: Mahalia Jackson; Bless This House (traditional gospel)
1958: Carmen McRae; Birds of a Feather (jazz)
1993: Lauryn Hill and Tanya Blount in the film Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit
2000: Shirley Caesar; The First Lady of Gospel (traditional)
2009: Gladys Knight at the funeral service of Michael Jackson
2012: Carol Channing and Lulu Roman (of Hee Haw fame) on Channing's album True to the Red, White and Blue
2014: Darlene Love at the Oscars while accepting an award for 20 Feet from Stardom
More about His Eye is on the Sparrow:
Reviews of "His Eye is on the Sparrow"
"I loved the whole of McQueen's performance. She's funny and heartbreaking and brassy and dynamic and again, again, so authentic. ... what happens during the play: you feel lifted up. By Ethel Waters' music, her truth, her hilarious barbs, her persistence."
Behind the Scenes: "His Eye is on the Sparrow"
Go behind the scenes with the our Scenic Charge (aka paints!) team and artist Elecia Beebe as they bring to life a giant abstract mural depicting the life and times of Ethel Waters for the set of His Eye on the Sparrow.
"His Eye is on the Sparrow" Cast and Creative Team
Maiesha McQueen returns to The Armory after starring in Ain't Misbehavin' last season.
Ethel Waters & “His Eye is on the Sparrow”
Literary Manager Benjamin Fainstein tells how the gospel song "His Eye is on the Sparrow" became the signature song of jazz, blues and acting legend Ethel Waters.
Resource Guide for Educators: The World of the Play
The World of Ethel Waters & His Eye is on the Sparrow
Resource Guide for Educators: Cast & Creative Team
Cast and Creative Team for His Eye is on the Sparrow
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