There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood

The Story Behind the Hymn

This powerful hymn was written by William Cowper in 1772, a poet and believer who struggled deeply with depression and doubt. During one of his darkest times, Cowper came to trust in Christ’s mercy. He wrote this hymn as a personal declaration of that trust — not from a place of spiritual pride, but from a heart that had been rescued.

The vivid imagery may seem strong to modern ears, but in Cowper’s day, it was a deeply moving expression of how much he valued the saving work of Jesus. The most common tune used today is Cleansing Fountain, which pairs the serious message with a steady, solemn melody.

What Makes It Powerful

This hymn doesn’t avoid the reality of sin — it confronts it head-on and then points to the cross as the answer. It reminds us that even the guiltiest can be washed clean. Lines like “the dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day” draw straight from Scripture and speak hope to every soul.

A verse that captures this message is 1 John 1:7 (NIV):

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light… the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

That is what this hymn is about — cleansing, not by effort, but by grace through the blood of Christ.

My Violin Cover

When I arranged “There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood” for violin, I wanted to reflect both the seriousness and the hope in the melody. I kept the tone reverent but steady, letting the weight of the music speak. The flow is simple, but the message is strong.

With Violin Hymns, I always try to carry the emotional truth of each hymn — and this one carries thankfulness for the cleansing that only Jesus can give.

Listen and Reflect

The video is below. As you listen, let the truth of this hymn settle into your heart. Whether you feel near or far from God, this is where we all begin — at the fountain. Lose all your guilty stains. Find peace, not in yourself, but in the blood that still flows.

Lyrics

There is a fountain filled with blood

Drawn from Immanuel's veins;

And sinners, plunged beneath that flood,

Lose all their guilty stains:

Lose all their guilty stains,

Lose all their guilty stains;

And sinners, plunged beneath that flood,

Lose all their guilty stains.

The dying thief rejoiced to see

That fountain in his day;

And there may I, though vile as he,

Wash all my sins away:

Wash all my sins away,

Wash all my sins away;

And there may I, though vile as he,

Wash all my sins away.

Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood

Shall never lose its pow'r,

Till all the ransomed Church of God

Be saved, to sin no more:

Be saved, to sin no more,

Be saved, to sin no more;

Till all the ransomed Church of God

Be saved to sin no more.

E'er since by faith I saw the stream

Thy flowing wounds supply,

Redeeming love has been my theme,

And shall be till I die:

And shall be till I die,

And shall be till I die;

Redeeming love has been my theme,

And shall be till I die.

When this poor lisping, stamm'ring tongue

Lies silent in the grave,

Then in a nobler, sweeter song

I'll sing Thy pow'r to save:

I'll sing Thy pow'r to save,

I'll sing Thy pow'r to save;

Then in a nobler, sweeter song

I'll sing Thy pow'r to save.

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