When He Walks By (How Will I Know Him?)

Bob Nolan
Original copyright: March 19, 1963
Renewed copyright: April 17, 1963

When He walks by, how shall I know Him?
Will there be sweet voices singing,
Will there be bright bells a-ringing?
What shall I hear, will He pass quite near
Or far in the mist on a rainbow rim?
When He walks by, how shall I know Him?

When He walks by, how shall I know Him
Will He speak low to the mild ones,
Or will His voice reach the wild ones?
What shall I see, will He smile at me
Or will time grow old and my eyes grow dim
When He walks by, how shall I know Him?

This song, though listed in BMI records as ‘How Will I Know Him’ and usually on recordings is sung as ‘How Shall I Know Him’. Bob originally registered a copyright on the song as an unpublished work under the title “When He Walks By (How Shall I Know Him?)” on March 19, 1963. A month later, April 17, 1963, a new copyright was registered when it was published by Manna Music, a company founded by Tim Spencer, under the title “When He Walks By (How Will I Know Him?)”.

Bob wrote several songs in the religious vein although they didn’t express his own thoughts and belief. But he was proud of How Will I Know Him and often stated, “It was the most intriguing song I have ever written”.

“February 23, 1980. Just returned from a very pleasant three hour visit with Bob Nolan. His initial comments centered around his concern with his relationship with Christianity. He has a strong distaste for ‘established’ religious tenants [sic]. He feels the accepted Church teaching is so much foolish talk. He does feel there is some ‘power’ that established the universe. He remarked that his religious songs were a sell-out – not his real concept of God. He reads Spinoza and believes that is closer to his belief.” (Copy of a journal notation by Ken Griffis in a letter to EM, April 4, 2000.)

The Sons of the Pioneers recorded it only once in 1962 for RCA Victor.

Link sheet music