It Is No Secret

“It Is No Secret” was written by Stuart Hamblen, who is regarded as one of radio’s first “singing cowboys.” Hamblen, the son of a Methodist minister from Texas, didn’t handle his fame very well. As Wikipedia tells us, his drinking, and the brawling and “destructive behavior” it produced, landed him in jail “many times.”

This all changed in 1949 when Billy Graham appeared on Hamblen’s show as a way to publicize what would become the historic Los Angeles Crusade. While on the show, Graham invited Hamblen to attend the crusade, and Hamblen accepted. Later, Hamblen contacted Graham and asked if they could meet and talk. And it was then that Hamblen committed his life to Christ.

Sometime later, a friend of Hamblen asked him about the rumor going around Hollywood that Hamblen had changed his ways. Hamblen replied that it was no secret what God had done for him and what God could do for his friend, too. The friend then replied that Hamblen should turn those lines into a song.

That friend’s name was John Wayne. No kidding.

… The chimes of time ring out the news
Another day is through
Someone slipped and fell
Was that someone you?

… You may have longed for added strength
Your courage to renew
Do not be disheartened
I have news for you.

… It is no secret what God can do
What he has done for others
He’ll do for you
With arms wide open

He’ll pardon you
It is no secret what God can do.

… There is no night, for in His light
You’ll never walk alone
You’ll always feel at home wherever you may roam
There is no power can conquer you
While God is on your side
Take Him at His promise
Don’t run away and hide.

… It is no secret what God can do
What he has done for others
He’ll do for you
With arms wide open
He’ll pardon you
It is no secret what God can do…

“The right knowledge of God is the strength of the soul, and, in the strength of that, gracious souls do exploits. -Matthew Henry