Lyrics:

1. Choose the right when a choice is placed before you.
In the right the Holy Spirit guides;
And its light is forever shining o’er you,
When in the right your heart confides.

(Chorus)
Choose the right! Choose the right!
Let wisdom mark the way before.
In its light, choose the right!
And God will bless you evermore.

2. Choose the right! Let no spirit of digression
Overcome you in the evil hour.
There’s the right and the wrong to ev’ry question;
Be safe thru inspiration’s pow’r.

3. Choose the right! There is peace in righteous doing.
Choose the right! There’s safety for the soul.
Choose the right in all labors you’re pursuing;
Let God and heaven be your goal.

Text: Joseph L. Townsend, 1849-1942
Music: Henry A. Tuckett, 1852-1918

-History: (Source: Wikipedia)

“Choose the right” is a saying or motto among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) that is taught to children and used by members of the church as a reminder to act righteously. The phrase is taken from an LDS hymn of the same name written by Joseph L. Townsend.

Written By: Joseph L. Townsend

Joseph L. Townsend (August 9, 1849 – April 1, 1942) was a writer of many Latter-day Saint hymns.

Townsend was born in Canton, Bradford County, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Ohio, Kansas and Missouri. Townsend studied at the University of Missouri.^[1] He came to Salt Lake City in 1872 to try and improve his health. While there he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Townsend later served as a missionary for the church in the Southern States Mission.^[2]

Townsend ran a drugstore in Payson, Utah for 15 years. He then taught for two years at Brigham Young Academy, the predecessor of Brigham Young University. After this he taught at Salt Lake City High School.^[2] He died at Payson, Utah.

His hymns that are in the 1985 Latter-day Saint hymnal are #52 The Day Dawn is Breaking, #99 Nearer, Dear Savior, to Thee, #185 Reverently and Meekly Now, #232 Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words To Each Other, #239 Choose the Right, #258 O Thou Rock Of Our Salvation, #259 Hope of Israel, #271 Oh, Holy Words of Truth and Love, #274 The Iron Rod and #286 Oh, What Songs of the Heart.

Music By: Henry A. Tuckett

Henry A. Tuckett (1852–1918) was an American hymn writer and poet in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).

Tuckett was born in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. His parents Henry Tuckett and his wife Mary Mercy Westwood were convents to the LDS Church who had recently immigrated from Great Britain and would soon move on to Utah.

Tuckett worked as a candymaker and was involved in music on the side. He wrote the music to “Choose the Right” and the music to “We Are Sowing”. Tuckett also conducted a choir in the 12th Ward in downtown Salt Lake City, in which ward he also served as superintendent of the Sunday School. As of 1888 Tuckett was a vocal music instructor on the faculty of theUniversity of Deseret (later the University of Utah).^[1] In 1890, Tuckett was an unsuccessful candidate for Salt Lake City council.^[2]

Tuckett’s was married to Agnes Sproul.

From 1894-1896 Tuckett served a mission to Great Britain.^[3]

-Video: