The poem describes life's difficulties and hardships as sometimes casting deep shadows and making the path to one's goal feel rough. When faced with these troubles or sorrows, the speaker seeks refuge in "the rock" which is described as being higher than oneself and providing blessed shadow. The rock serves as a source of strength and protection for the speaker to cling to during both blessings and sorrows.

2. O sometimes the
shadows are deep
And rough seems the
path to the goal
And sorrows sometimes
how they sweep
Like tempests and over
the soul

3. O then to the rock let
me fly (let me fly)
To the rock that is
higher than I (higher
than I)
O then to the rock let
me fly (let me fly)
To the rock that is
higher than I

4. O sometimes how long
seems the day,
And sometimes how
weary my feet
But toiling in life’s
dusty way,
The Rock’s blessed
shadow, how sweet!

5. O then to the rock let
me fly (let me fly)
To the rock that is
higher than I (higher
than I)
O then to the rock let
me fly (let me fly)
To the rock that is
higher than I

6. O near to the Rock let
me keep
If blessings or sorrows
prevail,
Or climbing the
mountain way steep,
Or walking the
shadowy vale.

7. O then to the rock let
me fly (let me fly)
To the rock that is
higher than I (higher
than I)
O then to the rock let
me fly (let me fly)
To the rock that is
higher than I