The Cyber Hymnal ‎#4977

4977. Outside the Holy City

1. Outside the holy city
Unnumbered footsteps throng,
And crowded mart and streets of trade
Fling back a swelling song.
The voices echo nearer,
In flaming hope they sing:
Throw down your branches at His feet!
Hosanna to the King!

2. Once more beside a city
The Son of David waits,
Once more the children throng to bring
A welcome at the gates.
Within are hearts sore burdened
And feet that go astray;
O Christ of God, come near and walk
Our city streets today!

3. The branches that we offer
Are no unmeaning sign;
Take Thou the hands we lift on high
And make them wholly Thine.
No songs of shallow welcome
Are these we raise to Thee;
O give us faith to face the cross
And set Thy city free!

4. A distant music mingles
With all our songs today,
The chorale from a city fair
Where sin has passed away.
There rides the Christ triumphant
And victor songs ring clear;
O God, give us the strength to build
With Christ that city here!

Text Information

• First Line: Outside the holy city
• Title: Outside the Holy City
• Author: James G. Gilkey (1915)
• Meter: 76.76 D
• Language: English
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Alternate tune: ALFORD, John B. Dykes, 1875

Tune Information

• Name: ALL HALLOWS (Martin)
• Composer: George Clement Martin (1891)
• Meter: 76.76 D
• Incipit: 51115 52176 71765
• Key: A♭ Major
• Copyright: Public Domain