Susan Boyle's Divine "Abide with Me" Hymn Cover Is Heaven's Gate in Vocal Form
Susan Boyle released this cover in 2014 — and it still holds up.
With no musical accompaniment whatsoever, Susan Boyle's voice approaches heaven-like reverence on her cover of the hymn "Abide with Me."
Released in 2014 as the fourth track off Boyle's sixth studio album, Hope, her version of "Abide with Me" is gorgeous. While a choir backs her up midway through her performance, Boyle's vocals can stand alone. It's the kind of musical performance that stops you in your tracks. Every note is tightly sung. Every high note is smartly executed. Boyle's tone is both angelic and powerful, especially near the song's climax.
The Got Talent star — who delivered one of the most unforgettable Auditions ever during Britain's Got Talent in 2009 — more than confirms her vocal prowess on this cover.
Listen for yourself, below.
2014 was a banner year for Boyle, culminating in the release of Hope. She said in the album's press release, "I have really enjoyed making [Hope]. I had a huge input in music suggestions. I also am pleased to be able to sing some uptempo songs that show variation in my repertoire."
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While fans love her takes on contemporary hits, one of Boyle's greatest strengths as a singer is encapsulating her spirituality into song.
"My faith is incredibly important to me on every level," she told The Christian Post. "It gets me through those moments of self-doubt and also allows me to understand that this gift of my career, later in life, is from a higher power."
What to know about "Abide with Me"
Originally written in 1847 by Scottish Anglican cleric Henry Francis Lyte as a prayer for God to remain present throughout life—for better or worse—until death, "Abide with Me" has evolved into one of the most impactful hymns ever sung. Lyte penned the prayer while he was dying from tuberculosis, and many Christians today consider the song a message of hope through hardship.
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The song is still popular today, with countless covers recorded by artists worldwide, regardless of religious affiliation—but of course, Boyle's version stands out.
