Ach, uns wird das Herz so leer . C. J. P. Spitta. [Longing for Heaven .] First published in the First Series, 1833, of his Psalter und Harfe , p. 134, in 6 stanzas of 4 lines, entitled "Homesickness." Translated as:—
Ah! this heart is void and chill. A good translation, omitting stanza v., by Mrs. Findlater in the 2nd Ser., 1855, of the Hymns from the Land of Luther (ed. 1862, p. 110, 1884, p. 86). Included, slightly altered, and omitting stanza ii., as No. 455, in the Pennsylvania Lutheran Church Book, 1868. In W. B. Bradbury's Golden Shower , N. Y. 1860 (ed. 1870, p. 158) the translations of stanzas ii., vi., are rewritten, and a chorus added. Stanzas i., ii., iv. of this form, with the chorus, were included as No. 1279, in Robinson's Songs for the Sanctuary , 1865, and, as No. 1048, in the Baptist Praise Book. 1871. [Rev. James Mearns, M. A.]
--Excerpt from John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)