The speaker is speaking directly to God, asking Him to “tie the strings” to her life — like a passenger securing herself for a long carriage trip. She’s eager and unafraid: one quick glance at the horses, and she’s set. The journey is toward Judgment, and she wants to be placed on the firmest side so she won’t slip; she knows the road runs partly downhill, but she doesn’t mind the steepest slope or the widest sea. What matters is that she’s held steady in an “Everlasting Race” by both her own choice and God’s will. There’s a quiet exhilaration here, a goodbye to the familiar world without regret. She even asks someone to kiss the hills for her — a tender farewell to earthly beauty — before repeating that she’s ready. The mood is serene and resolute, full of trust and a strange, calm joy in surrendering to what comes next.
Tie the Strings to my Life, My Lord, — Summary
Tie the Strings to my Life, My Lord, Then, I am ready to go! Just a look at the Horses -- Rapid! That will do!
Put me in on the firmest side -- So I shall never fall -- For we must ride to the Judgment -- And it's partly, down Hill --
But never I mind the steeper -- And never I mind the Sea -- Held fast in Everlasting Race -- By my own Choice, and Thee --
Goodbye to the Life I used to live -- And the World I used to know -- And kiss the Hills, for me, just once -- Then -- I am ready to go!