Triumphant Songs No.3 ‎#143

143. Why will ye die

1 A great rock stands in a barren land,
And the shadows fall on the parched sand,
And it calls to the traveler passing by,
“I will shelter thee here, continually.”
Then why will ye die, oh, why will ye die,
When the sheltering rock is standing nigh?
Oh, why will ye die, oh, why will ye die,
When the sheltering rock is standing nigh?

2 A great well lies in a weary land,
And its waters call over life’s rough strand;
For the great well is deep and hath waters rife,
Springing up into everlasting life.
Then why will ye die, oh, why will ye die,
When the great flowing well is lying nigh?
Oh, why will ye die, oh, why will ye die,
When the great flowing well is lying nigh?

3 A wide fold stands in a weary land,
And the sheep are straying on ev’ry hand;
And the Shepherd no wanderer turns away,
But he standeth and calleth them day after day.
Then why will ye die, oh, why will ye die,
When the welcoming fold is standing by?
Oh, why will ye die, oh, why will ye die,
When the welcoming fold is standing by?

4 A rough cross stands by a city wall,
Where the Savior dies out of love for all,
All the angels are telling the message blest,
And the way is now plain unto heav’nly rest.
Then why will ye die, oh, why will ye die,
When the blood-stainéd cross is standing night?
Oh, why will ye die, oh, why will ye die,
When the blood-stainéd cross is standing night?

Text Information

• First Line: A great Rock stands in the barren land
• Title: Why will ye die
• Refrain First Line: Then why will ye die, oh, why will ye die
• Publication Date: 1892
• Topic: Christ

Tune Information

• Name: [A great Rock stands in the barren land]
• Composer: Wm. A. May