Lutheran Service Book ‎#417

417. Alleluia, Song of Gladness

1 Alleluia, song of gladness,
Voice of joy that cannot die;
Alleluia is the anthem
Ever raised by choirs on high;
In the house of God abiding
Thus they sing eternally.

2 Alleluia, thou resoundest,
True Jerusalem and free;
Alleluia, joyful mother,
All thy children sing with thee,
But by Babylon's sad waters
Mourning exiles now are we.

3 Alleluia cannot always
Be our song while here below;
Alleluia, our transgressions
Make us for a while for-go;
For the solemn time is coming
When our tears for sin must flow.

4 Therefore in our hymns we pray Thee,
Grant us, blessed Trinity,
At the last to keep Thine Easter
With Thy faithful saints on high;
There to Thee for ever singing
Alleluia joyfully.

Text Information

• First Line: Alleluia, song of gladness
• Title: Alleluia, Song of Gladness
• Translator: John Mason Neale, 1818-66 (alt. )
• Meter: 87 87 87
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2006
• Scripture:
  Psalm 137:1-6
  ;
  Revelation 19:1-8
• Source: Latin, c. 11th cent.
• Notes: We are mourning exiles who long to be in the heavenly Jerusalem, here referred to as "joyful mother." During Lent, the Church refrains from songs of "alleluia."

Tune Information

• Name: LAUDA ANIMA
• Composer: John Goss, 1800-80
• Meter: 87 87 87
• Key: D Major