Author: Isaac Watts Meter: 8.6.8.6 Appears in 94 hymnals First Line: Death! ’tis a melancholy day Lyrics: 1 Death! ’tis a melancholy day,
To those that have no God,
When the poor soul is forced away,
To seek her last abode.
2 In vain to Heav’n she lifts her eyes,
But guilt, a heavy chain,
Still drags her downward from the skies,
To darkness, fire, and pain.
3 Awake and mourn, ye heirs of hell,
Let stubborn sinners fear;
You must be driv’n from earth, and dwell
A long forever there.
4 See how the pit gapes wide for you,
And flashes in your face;
And thou, my soul, look downward too,
And sing recovering grace.
5 He is a God of sovereign love,
That promised Heav’n to me,
And taught my thoughts to soar above,
Where happy spirits be.
6 Prepare me, Lord, for Thy right hand,
Then come the joyful day;
Come, death, and some celestial band,
To bear my soul away.
Used With Tune: NAOMI Text Sources: Hymns and Spiritual Songs, 1707-09, Book II
Death! 'Tis A Melancholy Day