Hymns for Youth ‎#60

60. Wake, Awake for Night Is Flying

1. Wake, awake, for night is flying,
The watchmen on the heights are crying,
Awake, Jerusalem, arise!
Midnight's solemn hour is tolling,
His chariot wheels are nearer rolling;
He comes; prepare, ye virgins wise;
Rise up with willing feet;
Go forth, the bridegroom meet;
Alleluia!
Bear through the night your well-trimmed light,
Speed forth to join the marriage rite.

2. Zion hears the watchmen singing,
And all her heart with joy is springing;
She wakes, she rises from her gloom.
Forth her bridegroom comes, all-glorious,
The strong in grace, in truth victorious;
Her star is risen, her light is come.
All hail, thou precious One,
Lord Jesus, God's dear Son!
Alleluia!
The joyful call we answer all,
And follow to the nuptial hall.

3. Lamb of God, the heavens adore thee,
And men and angels sing before thee
With harp and cymbal's clearest tone.
By the pearly gates in wonder
We stand, and swell the voice of thunder
In bursts of choral melody.
To mortal eyes and ears
What glory now appears!
Alleluia!
We raise the song, we swell the throng,
To praise thee ages all along.

Text Information

• First Line: Wake, awake, for night is flying
• Title: Wake, Awake for Night Is Flying
• Translator: Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878
• Author: Philipp Nicolai, 1556-1608
• Meter: 8 9 8 8 9 8 6 6 4 4 4 8
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1966

Tune Information

• Name: WACHET AUF
• Composer: Philipp Nicolai, 1556-1608
• Meter: 8 9 8 8 9 8 6 6 4 4 4 8
• Incipit: 13555 56551 51232
• Key: C Major