Have I Done Any Good Lyrics by Will Lamartine Thompson

Will Lamertine Thompson (1847-1909), an Ohio composer, showed early musical gifts that led him to study at Mount Union College and the New England Conservatory of Music, building skills for his future work.

Thompson created both religious and non-religious music, and he started his own company to publish his compositions.

This choice helped his church hymns, gospel songs, ballads, and instrumental works reach many American listeners. His straightforward style and meaningful words spoke to common people about faith, service, and personal thinking.

About the Song

Will Thompson’s “Have I Done Any Good in the World Today” emerged in the late 1800s as a song that prompts listeners to reflect on their daily impact. It quickly found a home in faith communities that valued its message on helping others.

Thompson wrote this song based on his belief that faith must be demonstrated through tangible acts of kindness.

He was inspired to create it after observing how often people miss opportunities to help others while preoccupied with their concerns.

The song remains relevant because it prompts people to examine their actions with a fresh perspective.

Its simple tune and catchy words keep the message alive long after hearing it, with its focus on doing good still resonating with modern listeners.

Detail	Information
Release Year	Late 1800s
Collection	Gospel Hymns and Songs
Songwriter	Will Lamertine Thompson
Genre	Gospel/Hymn
Duration	Approximately 3 minutes
Original Publication	Will L. Thompson & Co.

Have I Done Any Good in the World Today Lyrics

Verse 1

Have I done any good in the world today?

Have I helped anyone in need?

Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?

If not, I have failed indeed.

Has anyone’s burden been lighter today

Because I was willing to share?

Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?

When they needed my help was I there?

Chorus

Then wake up and do something more

Than dream of your mansion above.

Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,

A blessing of duty and love.

Verse 2

There are chances for work all around just now,

Opportunities right in our way.

Do not let them pass by, saying, “Sometime I’ll try,”

But go and do something today.

’Tis noble of man to work and to give;

Love’s labor has merit alone.

Only he who does something helps others to live.

To God each good work will be known.

Chorus

Then wake up and do something more

Than dream of your mansion above.

Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,

A blessing of duty and love.

Key Themes that Define Thompson’s Lasting Message

The song “Have I Done Any Good in the World Today” by Will Thompson examines several key ideas that still speak to us in modern times:

• Reflection on Personal Actions – The song encourages listeners to pause and reflect on their daily activities. It encourages an honest self-check about how we use our time, wondering if we’ve made a positive impact on others’ lives.

• Service and compassion – The heart of the song stresses active help to others. It suggests we find true meaning not through good intentions alone but through real steps to assist people in need.

• Immediacy of good works – Thompson emphasizes the importance of doing good now, rather than waiting. The song warns against putting off helpful acts, showing that chances to help exist today and might not be there tomorrow.

• Personal responsibility – The music places the duty on each person to see and act on needs around them. It suggests everyone can and should add value to their community through their behavior.

These themes work together to remind us that our small, daily choices to help others build a better world for everyone.

Songs With Similar Messages to Thompson’s Work

These songs share common ground with “Have I Done Any Good in the World Today,” while each brings its musical approach:

Make Me a Channel of Your Peace – Sebastian Temple

Based on the Prayer of St. Francis, this song asks to become a tool for bringing good into difficult situations.
Genre: Sacred/Prayer Song
Used For: Church services and quiet reflection

Do Something – Matthew West

This call-to-action song motivates listeners to take personal responsibility rather than waiting for others to volunteer and serve in their communities.
Genre: Contemporary Christian
Used For: Youth gatherings and volunteer events
West calls listeners to stop waiting for others and start helping now with their own hands.

Hands – Jewel

This thoughtful composition examines how small, everyday acts of kindness from ordinary people can build a more compassionate world.
Genre: Folk-Pop
Used For: Community events and personal motivation
The singer demonstrates how small acts of kindness from ordinary people can help build a better world.

Man in the Mirror – Michael Jackson

This powerful anthem focuses on personal accountability as the starting point for broader social change through self-examination.
Genre: Pop
Used For: Social awareness campaigns and personal growth
Jackson’s hit emphasizes that significant changes begin with the person you see when looking in the mirror.

Musicians Who Share Thompson’s Musical Vision

These four composers created works with similar qualities to Thompson’s straightforward, message-driven style:

• Philip P. Bliss (1838-1876): Wrote gospel hymns with simple melodies paired with meaningful messages. His work brought spiritual concepts to life through music that connected with diverse people.
  Famous works: “It Is Well with My Soul,” “Wonderful Words of Life”
• Ira D. Sankey (1840-1908): Created church hymns that inspired people to take action in their faith. His compositions expanded from church walls into homes, making sacred music more accessible.
  Famous works: “The Ninety and Nine,” “Faith Is the Victory”
• Fanny Crosby (1820-1915): Composed Christian poetry and hymns with words accessible to everyday people. Blind from infancy, she wrote 8,000 hymns that captured faith in simple language.
  Famous works: “Blessed Assurance,” “To God Be the Glory”
• Charles H. Gabriel (1856-1932): Developed gospel songs with memorable tunes that were easy to learn. His musical creations profoundly influenced listeners, making him one of the era’s most notable composers.
  Famous works: “His Eye Is on the Sparrow,” “I Stand Amazed”

If you’re curious about how vocal delivery can impact a song’s message, check out our guide on Rasp Voice 101: From Smooth to Scratchy Singing for more on vocal techniques that bring songs like ‘Have I Done Any Good in the World Today’ to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does the Bible Say About Doing Good in The World?

The Bible encourages good deeds. Hebrews 13:16: “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Have I Done Any Good in The World Today, Hymn Number?

“Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?” is hymn number 223 in the LDS hymnal.

Does God Want Us to Have a Good Life on Earth?

Scripture indicates God desires well-being. John 10:10 mentions Jesus bringing “life more abundantly.”