His Eye Is on the Sparrow
"His Eye Is on the Sparrow" is a gospel hymn written in 1905 by lyricist Civilla D. Martin and composer Charles H. Gabriel. It is most associated with actress-singer Ethel Waters who used the title for her autobiography. Mahalia Jackson's recording of the song was honored with the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 2010. Sometimes it was sung with the slightly altered title "His Eye is on the Tiny Bird" and this version was recorded by actress Violet Carson in 1972. Inspiration. The theme of the song is inspired by the  words of David in the Psalms and Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew in the Bible: "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye (Psalm 32:8). "Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" (Matthew 6:26) and "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your  head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:29–31). Civilla Martin, who wrote the lyrics, said of her inspiration to write the song based on the scriptures: Later published arrangements. There are many arrangements of the hymn that have been produced since its original publication. These include: Whitney Houston version. Whitney Houston recorded a version for of the 2012 remake of the 1976 musical film "Sparkle". RCA Records released the song as the second single from the album on June 8, 2012, four months after Houston's death. This version is  Houston's last original single, and second posthumous one. The song made its debut only one day after the premiere of "Celebrate". Critical reception AllMusic called it a "piano, organ, and choir" showcase for Houston, citing it as a highlight of the soundtrack although admitting "Houston sounds as commanding as one can expect from a later recording." "Entertainment Weekly" editor Melissa Maerz called it "a gorgeously rippling solo" with Houston "testif[ying ...] that Jesus is watching over her." Jody Rosen of "Rolling Stone" panned the cover, saying "Houston sings – and croaks – in a voice octaves lower than in her prime. At  times the song has a ravaged magnificence, but mostly it's painful."