With Heart and Voice ‎#96

96. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

1 O sacred head, now wounded,
with grief and shame weighed down,
now scornfully surrounded
with thorns, your only crown.
O sacred head, what glory
and blessing you have known!
Yet, though despised and gory,
I claim you as my own.

2 My Lord, what you did suffer
was all for sinners' gain;
mine, mine was the transgression,
but yours the deadly pain.
So here I kneel, my Savior,
for I deserve your place;
look on me with your favor
and save me by your grace.

3 What language shall I borrow
to thank you, dearest Friend,
for this, your dying sorrow,
your mercy without end?
Lord, make me yours forever,
a loyal servant true,
and let me never, never
outlive my love for you.

Text Information

• First Line: O sacred head, now wounded
• Title: O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
• Translator (German): Paul Gerhardt (1656)
• Translator (English): James W. Alexander (1830, alt.)
• Meter: 76 76 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1989
• Topic: The Church Year: Lent
• Source: Latin, medieval

Tune Information

• Name: HERZLICH TUT MICH VERLANGEN
• Composer: Hans L. Hassler (1601)
• Adapter: Johann S. Bach (1729)
• Harmonizer: Johann S. Bach (1729)
• Meter: 76 76 D
• Key: a minor or modal
• Source: Adapt. and harm.: St. Matthew Passion, 1729