This is from a public domain song “Nobody Knows” (often fully titled “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen”). Its exact origins are unknown, but it dates to an era of American slavery. The song was first formally published in 1867. [1]
In contemplative moments, sometimes the thoughts appear. This one came with a melody.
Say His Name
[Chorus]
Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen
Nobody knows my sorrow
Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen
Glory, Hallelujah
[Verse 1]
Sometimes I’m up, sometimes I’m down
Oh, yes, Lord
Sometimes I’m almost to the ground
Oh, yes, Lord
[Chorus]
Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen
Nobody knows but Jesus
Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen
Glory, Hallelujah
[New Bridge]
Say his name. Say his name.
Say the name, Jesus Christ, when you pray.
For there’s power in the words,
If you pray them everyday.
Say his name: Jesus Christ, when you pray!
[Verse 2] (Louis Armstrong’s unique verse)
Oh, every day to you I pray
Oh, yes Lord
For you to drive my sins away
Oh, yes Lord
[Outro / Final Chorus]
Oh, nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen
Nobody knows but Jesus
Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen
Glory, Hallelujah!
Inserting the lines as a bridge into “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” was a brilliant idea, Heaven-sent, Hallelujah, in response to the core line, “Nobody knows but Jesus,” shifting the energy from a lament about sorrow into an active, powerful declaration of faith and prayer.
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