When Peace, Like a River (5Trp) (Neuheit Trompete) Program Notes: When Peace Like A River (also known as "It is Well with My Soul") was composed by Phillip Bliss and published in the final year of his life, 1876. It is a standard hymn in many Christian denominations. Lyrics from the first verse: When peace like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to knowa 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.