Singing the Living Tradition ‎#265

265. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

1 O sacred head, now wounded,
with grief and shame weighed down,
now scornfully surrounded
with thorns, thy only crown:
how art thou pale with anguish,
with sore abuse and scorn!
How does that visage languish
which once was bright as morn!

2 What language shall I borrow
to thank thee, dearest friend,
for this thy dying sorrow,
thy pity without end?
Let me be thine forever.
And, should I fainting be,
oh, let me never, never
outlive my love to thee.

Text Information

• First Line: O sacred head, now wounded
• Title: O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
• Author (attributed to): Bernard of Clairvaux, 1091-1153
• Translator (German): Paulus Gerhardt, 1607-1676
• Translator (English): James Waddell Alexander, 1804-1859 (alt.)
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.D.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1993
• Topic: Jewish and Christian Teachings: Good Friday; Easter; Good Friday and Palm Sunday
• Source: Latin

Tune Information

• Name: PASSION CHORALE
• Composer: Hans Leo Hassler, 1564-1612
• Harmonizer: J. S. Bach, 1685-1750
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.D.
• Key: a minor