Half A Billion streams & why it matters

The Enduring Legacy of It Is Well with My Soul: A Hymn’s History and the Power of 500 Million Streams

Few songs carry the emotional and spiritual weight of It Is Well with My Soul, a hymn that has resonated across generations and now boasts over half a billion verified streams across platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music.

Now a book, a musical and soon, a feature film

Written in 1873 by Horatio Spafford and set to music by Philip Bliss, this gospel classic emerged from profound personal tragedy and unwavering faith. Its recent streaming milestone underscores not only its timeless appeal but also the role of modern platform algorithms in introducing this sacred song to new listeners daily, ensuring its message continues to inspire.

A Hymn Born from Heartbreak

The story behind It Is Well with My Soul is one of resilience in the face of unimaginable loss. Horatio Spafford, a successful Chicago lawyer and devout Christian, faced a series of devastating blows in the early 1870s. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed much of his real estate investments, and shortly before, his young son died of scarlet fever.

In 1873, seeking respite, Spafford sent his wife, Anna, and their four daughters on a vacation to England aboard the SS Ville du Havre. Tragically, the ship collided with another vessel and sank, claiming the lives of all four daughters. Anna survived, sending Spafford a heart-wrenching telegram: “Saved alone. What shall I do?”

As Spafford sailed to join his grieving wife, he passed over the spot where his daughters perished. In that moment of profound sorrow, he penned the lyrics to It Is Well with My Soul, expressing a faith that transcended his pain:

When peace like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul

Philip Bliss, a renowned gospel composer, later set these words to a hauntingly beautiful melody, and the hymn was published in 1876. Its message of trust in God amid suffering struck a chord, making it a staple in Christian worship.

Milestone 500 Million Streams

The hymn’s recent achievement of half a billion streams across major platforms is a testament to its enduring relevance. While contemporary hits often dominate streaming charts, the success of a 19th-century hymn highlights its universal appeal.

This milestone matters because it reflects more than just passive listening. Streaming platforms’ discovery algorithms—such as Spotify’s Discover Weekly or YouTube’s recommended videos—play a pivotal role in introducing It Is Well with My Soul to new audiences.

These algorithms analyze user behavior, suggesting the hymn to listeners who enjoy gospel, worship music, or even secular songs with themes of hope and resilience. Each stream increases the song’s visibility, creating a virtuous cycle where new fans discover it daily.

The significance of 500 million streams lies in the hymn’s ability to connect with listeners across cultures and generations in an increasingly digital world. Unlike in Spafford’s time, when hymns spread through church services and printed hymnals, today’s platforms amplify the song’s reach exponentially.

This vast audience, built through streaming platforms, sets the stage for a feature film by Australian filmmaker David Maegraith, currently in development, which is poised to find acceptance with the hymn’s existing legion of listeners, further extending its timeless message to new audiences.

Follow the progress of the film on David’s Facebook page

World Rose Day November 22, 2025

Four young girls lost their lives at sea early the morning of November 22, 1873.

In thick fog at 3am, three-masted sail ship Loch Earn collided with the passenger steamship SS Ville du Havre while crossing the Atlantic Ocean. The disaster claimed 226 lives, including all four daughters of American Horatio Spafford: Annie (12), Maggie (7), Bessie (4) & Tanetta (18 months).

His wife, Anna, survived and, upon reaching Cardiff, Wales, sent a heartbreaking telegram to her husband: “Saved alone.”

While traveling to reunite with Anna, Horatio penned It Is Well with My Soul as his ship passed near the site where his daughters perished.

The hymn went on to become a worldwide classic, sung in churches around the world, with 100 million plays and counting on streaming.

When peace like a river, attends my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, You have taught me to know
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Press Play to listen to It Is Well with My Soul

On World Rose Day we pause to think of loved ones and scatter a rose on water in their memory.

Originally conceived to remember the four daughters of Horatio & Anna Spafford, we now invite all who wish to honor the memory of loved ones lost, to scatter a rose in remembrance and acknowledgement they are always in our hearts.

In 2025, World Rose Day is being held in California, with plans to expand globally in 2026. Shortly we will be listing World Rose Day Church Ambassadors to assist you with World Rose Day for 2025, so check back here shortly for further information.

WORLD ROSE DAY
Sat November 22, 2025
Horatio Spafford wrote It Is Well with My Soul

In the Midst of Great Grief: How Horatio Spafford Wrote It Is Well with My Soul

Horatio Spafford, successful Chicago lawyer and devout Christian faced awful tragedy yet penned the timeless hymn It Is Well with My Soul. How could he find peace amid such loss? His faith and a divine vision could offer the answer.

In 1871, Spafford’s world unraveled. The Great Chicago Fire destroyed his real estate investments, and his young son died of scarlet fever. In 1873, seeking respite, he sent his wife, Anna, and four daughters—Annie, Maggie, Bessie, and Tanetta—to Europe on the SS Ville du Havre. A collision sank the ship and all 4 daughters perished. Anna’s telegram to Horatio read: “Saved alone.”

Sailing to join Anna, Horatio passed over the waters where his daughters died. Overwhelmed, he found solace in God’s sovereignty. Inspired, he wrote words to this famous hymn: his words reflect trust in God’s eternal plan, not a denial of grief.

As Spafford gazed at the sea, we can imagine he saw a vision: his daughters, radiant as angels, safe with Jesus. Their peaceful faces assured him they were at rest, allowing him to find peace in his soul. This divine encounter may have inspired the hymn’s refrain, anchoring his faith in eternal hope.

Despite further trials, the Spaffords served God, later founding a community program in Jerusalem. Horatio’s hymn affirms that faith can triumph over grief, offering rest in God’s promises.

When peace like a river, attends my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, You have taught me to know
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, (it is well),
With my soul, (with my soul)
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And has shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
A song in the night, O my soul!

WORLD ROSE DAY
Sat November 22, 2025

151 Years Ago a disaster at sea would birth It Is Well with My Soul

When peace like a river, attends my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, You have taught me to know
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain
It is well, (it is well),
With my soul, (with my soul)
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And has shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
A song in the night, oh my soul!

On January 30, 1873, the iron sailing vessel Loch Earn docked in Port Adelaide, Australia, to restock and take on passengers before continuing its journey north. Less than a year later, on November 22, 1873, tragedy struck.

In thick fog at 3am, Loch Earn collided with the passenger steamship Ville du Havre while crossing the Atlantic.

The disaster claimed 226 lives, including all four daughters of American lawyer Horatio Spafford: Annie (12), Maggie (7), Bessie (4), and Tanetta (18 months). His wife, Anna, survived and, upon reaching Cardiff, Wales, sent a heartbreaking telegram to her husband: “Saved alone.”

While traveling to reunite with Anna, Horatio penned It Is Well with My Soul as his ship passed near the site where his daughters perished. The hymn went on to become a worldwide classic, sung in churches around the world. 

Now, Australian composer and producer David Maegraith—born in Sydney and based in Adelaide—has written a book, musical and feature film telling the powerful story surrounding this tragedy.

Buy the book, the musical songbook and check back here for film updates

To contact us, reach out to David Maegraith the Producer on Facebook

Concept Poster released for It Is Well with My Soul the Feature Film

Devastated by the loss of their four daughters in a shipwreck, Anna and Horatio Spafford cling to their unbreakable love and resilient spirit, finding solace in a divine vision that inspires the timeless hymn “It Is Well with My Soul” and a legacy of hope through their enduring partnership.


It Is Well with My Soul captures the heart of a classic hymn with over 100 million streams on Spotify and YouTube, blending its spiritual legacy with a sweeping love story for broad appeal.

This inspirational drama reimagines Anna and Horatio Spafford’s journey as a triumphant romance, appealing to fans of The Notebook and Titanic while honoring its faith-based roots.

From their tender courtship to their resilience through the Chicago Fire and unimaginable loss, the film highlights their unbreakable bond, culminating in a divine vision of their daughters that inspires the iconic hymn.

By balancing universal themes of love, loss, and hope with subtle expressions of faith, it resonates with families, romantics, and secular viewers alike, offering a poignant, uplifting narrative poised to captivate millions.

Listen to Producer David Maegraith talk about plans for the feature film

The Book: Read free on Kindle or buy on Amazon

OUT NOW on Amazon

Discover the Story Behind the Beloved Hymn – It Is Well with My Soul

The new book It Is Well with My Soul is now available on Amazon, sharing the moving story behind one of history’s most powerful hymns.

After losing his four daughters in a tragic ship collision, Horatio Spafford wrote the hymn as his ship passed the accident site. His words of faith and hope continue to inspire millions worldwide.

The book explores the Spafford family’s resilience, the events surrounding the Ville du Havre disaster, and the hymn’s lasting impact.

Gripping storytelling – a deeply moving narrative.
Historical depth – rich maritime and cultural context.
Uplifting themes – a story of hope in tragedy.

Buy Now on Amazon

It Is Well with My Soul the Musical

It Is Well with My Soul: The Musical is a brand-new production and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share it with you! This comprehensive songbook includes lyrics, stage directions, and everything you need to bring this powerful story to life in your church, school, or local community.

And it really is a community project to present this musical – after finding your cast and crew, you can decide if and how many live musicians you want, work with local dancers to put on some stunning dances, and local dressmakers to reproduce the stunning costumes from the era.

Listen to the superb soundtrack – you can use the songs on stage as backing tracks!

Now, here’s the best part: You can stage this musical for free! That’s right—there’s no upfront charge. All we ask is a share of ticket sales or donations if you decide not to sell tickets.

And, since the musical is brand new, you have the unique opportunity to be the very first to present it in your town—or perhaps even your state or country. Imagine being part of history as you share this moving production with your community.

Warm regards,

David Maegraith
Itiswellwithmysoul.com

Buy the book, the musical songbook and check back here for film updates

To contact us, reach out to David Maegraith on Facebook

One of the most beloved songs of all time, It Is Well with My Soul carries with it a poignant and deeply personal story of loss, faith, and comfort. Written by Horatio Spafford, with music by Philip Bliss (“Hallelujah, What a Saviour!”),  It Is Well with My Soul has become a symbol of peace in the face of life’s greatest trials. 

Horatio Spafford was a successful businessman in Chicago in the mid-19th century. His life, however, was marked by a series of tragic events that would shape the words of this song. The first blow came in 1871, when the Great Chicago Fire devastated much of the city, including Spafford’s real estate investments. Despite the financial ruin, Spafford remained hopeful and steadfast in his faith. Then, in 1873, further tragedy struck when Spafford’s four daughters—Annie, Maggie, Bessie, and Tanetta drowned in a horrific shipwreck.

In his profound grief, Spafford decided to travel to Europe to be with his wife. During the journey, as the ship passed near the spot where his daughters had drowned, Spafford felt a wave of peace wash over him. It was at that moment that he penned the words of “It Is Well with My Soul.” The song expresses the assurance that, despite the overwhelming pain of loss, God’s grace and love remain constant.

The opening verse of the song, “When peace like a river, attendeth my way, / When sorrows like sea billows roll,” reflects Spafford’s internal struggle between profound sorrow and an enduring sense of peace. His trust in God’s plan and eternal promises enabled him to find comfort amid the unspeakable tragedy.

Buy the Libretto and Stage Directions on Amazon just $7.95

 

Your Opportunity to Shine:

  • Be the first to present this extraordinary musical to your community and the world. You choose when to present it in 2025, and how many performances 
  • Enjoy flexible arrangements: No upfront licensing fees—we only ask for 30% of gross ticket sales
  • Amplify your church and musicians: Re-record some or all the musical’s songs (with our permission) for release on streaming platforms Spotify and Apple Music – what a great way to amplify your team and church (Bandcamp and Tunecore are just some of the services who enable you to release cover songs to streaming, check their websites for details) 


Streaming and Video Options:

  • If you choose to film your production, we can offer the opportunity to stream it on our upcoming Vimeo channel, providing further exposure for your church.

We’d love to discuss how your church can bring this inspiring story to life. To express your interest or ask any questions, simply fill in the form below. With advancements in staging and screen technology, presenting a musical in 2025 may be more affordable than you think—feel free to ask us for more details!  

The Original Lyrics to It Is Well with My Soul

When peace like a river, attends my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, You have taught me to know
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain
It is well, (it is well),
With my soul, (with my soul)
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And has shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
A song in the night, oh my soul!

The Story Behind “It Is Well with My Soul” by Horatio Spafford

The hymn “It Is Well with My Soul,” penned by Horatio Spafford in 1873, is one of the most beloved Christian hymns, known for its profound message of peace amid suffering. The original lyrics, written on Brevoort House stationery in Chicago, reveal a deeply personal story of tragedy, faith, and resilience that continues to inspire millions.

Horatio Gates Spafford was a successful Chicago lawyer and devout Presbyterian in the 1860s. He and his wife, Anna, were prominent figures in their community, known for their faith and support of evangelical causes. However, their lives were soon marked by a series of devastating events.

In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed much of Spafford’s real estate investments, wiping out a significant portion of his wealth. That same year, the couple also lost their four-year-old son to scarlet fever, a tragedy that shook their family to its core.

Despite these setbacks, the Spaffords remained steadfast in their faith. In 1873, seeking respite and hoping to join evangelist Dwight L. Moody on a preaching tour in England, Horatio planned a family trip to Europe. At the last minute, urgent business detained him in Chicago, so he sent Anna and their four daughters—Annie, Maggie, Bessie, and Tanetta—ahead on the SS Ville du Havre.

Buy the book, the musical songbook and check back here for film updates

On November 22, 1873, tragedy struck again: the ship collided with another vessel in the Atlantic Ocean and sank within 12 minutes. Of the 313 passengers, only 81 survived. Anna was among the survivors, but all four of their daughters perished.

Anna sent Horatio a heartbreaking telegram from Wales: “Saved alone. What shall I do?” Devastated, Horatio immediately set sail to join his grieving wife. During the voyage, as his ship passed over the spot where the Ville du Havre sank, the captain informed him of the location. In that moment of profound sorrow, Spafford found solace in his faith.

He retreated to his cabin and wrote the lyrics to “It Is Well with My Soul” on Brevoort House stationery, a Chicago hotel letterhead he likely carried with him.

The opening lines, “When peace like a river attendeth my way, / When sorrows like sea billows roll,” reflect the duality of Spafford’s experience—acknowledging both the peace of God’s presence and the overwhelming waves of grief. The refrain, “It is well, it is well with my soul,” is a declaration of trust in God’s sovereignty, even in the face of unimaginable loss.

The hymn also looks forward to Christ’s return, with lines like, “And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,” offering hope beyond earthly suffering.

After reuniting with Anna, the couple returned to Chicago, where Horatio shared the poem with his friend Philip Bliss, a talented hymn writer and composer. Bliss set the words to music, creating the melody we know today, and the hymn was first performed at a Moody revival meeting.

The Spaffords went on to have three more children, though they faced further tragedy when another son died in 1880. In 1881, they moved to Jerusalem, where they founded the American Colony, a Christian community dedicated to serving the poor.

“It Is Well with My Soul” remains a testament to the enduring power of faith in the face of adversity. Horatio Spafford’s words, born out of personal tragedy, continue to offer comfort and hope to those navigating their own storms, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, it can still be well with our souls.

Buy the book, the musical songbook and check back here for film updates

To contact us, reach out to David Maegraith on Facebook

Meet the Spaffords

One of the most beloved songs of all time, “It Is Well with My Soul,” carries with it a poignant and deeply personal story of loss, faith, and comfort.

Written by Horatio G. Spafford in 1873, this song has become a symbol of peace in the face of life’s greatest trials. Horatio Spafford: a successful businessman and admired citizen of Chicago in the mid-19th century.

His life, however, was marked by a series of tragic events that would shape the words of this song. The first blow came in 1871, when the Great Chicago Fire devastated much of the city, including Spafford’s real estate investments. Despite the financial ruin, Spafford remained hopeful and steadfast in his faith. Then, in 1873, further tragedy struck when Spafford’s four daughters—Annie, Maggie, Bessie, and Tanetta drowned in a horrific shipwreck.

In the 19th century, the North Atlantic Ocean was a particularly perilous area for maritime travel, given its harsh weather conditions and high shipping traffic. While disasters like the Titanic (1912) are more famous, several major shipwrecks in the North Atlantic during the 19th century stand out.

1. SS Atlantic (1873) – 535 deaths.

Sank off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada, en route from Liverpool to New York, after running aground in bad weather. This disaster happened the same year as the Ville du Havre tragedy with a significantly higher death toll.

2. SS Central America (1857) – 425 deaths.

Sank in a hurricane while en route from Panama to New York. Though technically in the mid-Atlantic, it’s often associated with the northern routes due to its destination.

2. SS Ville du Havre (1873) – 226 deaths.

Sank after colliding with the Loch Earn in the North Atlantic. The Spafford women were traveling to Europe on the French ship Ville du Havre, and as they crossed the Atlantic Ocean, the ship collided with another vessel and sank. Horatio’s wife, Anna, survived the disaster and sent a heart-wrenching telegram to her husband that simply read, “Saved alone.”

In his profound grief, Spafford decided to travel to Europe to be with his wife. During the journey, as the ship passed near the spot where his daughters had drowned, Spafford felt a wave of peace wash over him. It was at that moment that he penned the words of “It Is Well with My Soul.” The song expresses the assurance that, despite the overwhelming pain of loss, God’s grace and love remain constant.

The opening verse of the song, “When peace like a river, attendeth my way, / When sorrows like sea billows roll,” reflects Spafford’s internal struggle between profound sorrow and an enduring sense of peace. His trust in God’s plan and eternal promises enabled him to find comfort amid the unspeakable tragedy.

The refrain, “It is well, it is well, with my soul,” became a declaration of his faith—a profound affirmation that, despite the storm of life, his soul could still find peace. Over the years, “It Is Well with My Soul” has resonated with countless people facing their own trials and now a timeless song of hope, comfort, and unwavering faith.

Spafford’s legacy is a testament to the power of trusting in God’s presence and peace, even when the world seems to crumble around us. Today, “It Is Well with My Soul” continues to inspire and uplift people around the world, reminding us that, no matter the circumstances, we can find peace in the truth that, through it all, it is well with our souls.

The man who wrote the music

Philip P. Bliss composed the music to It Is Well with My Soul in 1876, the tune named after the ship on which Spafford’s daughters died, Ville du Havre. P. P. Bliss was born in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania in a log cabin.

His father was Isaac Bliss, who taught the family to pray daily, his mother was Lydia Doolittle. He loved music and was allowed to develop his passion for singing. His sister was Mary Elizabeth Willson, a gospel singer, singer, composer and evangelist.

In 1869, Bliss formed an association with Dwight L. Moody. Moody and others urged him to give up his job and become a missionary singer. In 1874, Bliss decided he was called to full-time Christian evangelism. Bliss made significant amounts of money from royalties and gave them to charity and to support his evangelical endeavors.

Bliss also wrote “Hold the Fort,” a stirring anthem of Christian resolve, in 1870, during the tumultuous years of the American Civil War. Its lyrics, which encourage believers to remain steadfast in faith, resonated strongly with those enduring the hardships of war. Another well-known composition, “Let the Lower Lights Be Burning,” written in 1871, reflects Bliss’s evangelistic zeal, urging Christians to be the guiding light for others in the world.

In addition to these, Bliss composed “Almost Persuaded,” a gospel song that poignantly captures the emotions of one who is on the verge of accepting Christ but hesitates. He also wrote “Hallelujah, What a Savior!”—a powerful hymn celebrating Christ’s sacrifice, often sung during Holy Week.

On 29 December 1876, the Pacific Express train on which Bliss and his wife Lucy were traveling in approached Ashtabula, Ohio. While the train was in the process of crossing a trestle bridge it collapsed, and the carriages fell into the ravine below. Bliss escaped from the wreck, but the carriages caught fire and Bliss returned to try to extricate his wife. No trace of either body was discovered.

Ninety-two of the 159 passengers are believed to have died in what became known as the Ashtabula River Railroad Disaster. The Blisses were survived by their two sons, George and Philip Paul, then aged four and one, respectively.

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,

and naked shall I return.

The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;

blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Job 1:21

Historical Origins of the Hymn & the Tune

Experience the Story Behind the Beloved Hymn – It Is Well with My Soul

The new book It Is Well with My Soul is now available on Amazon, sharing the moving story behind one of history’s most powerful hymns.

After losing his four daughters in a tragic ship collision, Horatio Spafford wrote the hymn as his ship passed the accident site. His words of faith and hope continue to inspire millions worldwide.

The book explores the Spafford family’s resilience, the events surrounding the Ville du Havre disaster, and the hymn’s lasting impact.

Gripping storytelling – a deeply moving narrative.
Historical depth – rich maritime and cultural context.
Uplifting themes – a story of hope in tragedy.