Piano Demo
0:00
Hymnal Number
243Resource Type:
Keys included:
G
About this Hymn
This hymn, like Wesley's "And Can It Be?" or Bridges' "Ah, Holy Jesus," conveys a sense of bewilderment at the idea of our Sovereign God's choosing to die for someone no better than a common worm (Job 26:6; Ps. 22:6). This revelation is deeply personal and moving, but the writer cautions that no weeping could repay this debt of love—our only offering is humble submission.
Lyrics
Verse 1
Alas, and did my Savior bleed,
and did my Sov'reign die?
Would he devote that sacred head
for such a worm as I?
Verse 2
Was it for crimes that I had done
he groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity, grace unknown,
and love beyond degree!
Verse 3
Well might the sun in darkness hide
and shut its glories in,
when Christ the mighty Maker died
for man the creature's sin.
Verse 4
Thus might I hide my blushing face
while his dear cross appears;
dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
and melt mine eyes in tears.
Verse 5
But drops of grief can ne'er repay
the debt of love I owe;
here, Lord, I give myself away;
'tis all that I can do.
Alas, and did my Savior bleed,
and did my Sov'reign die?
Would he devote that sacred head
for such a worm as I?
Verse 2
Was it for crimes that I had done
he groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity, grace unknown,
and love beyond degree!
Verse 3
Well might the sun in darkness hide
and shut its glories in,
when Christ the mighty Maker died
for man the creature's sin.
Verse 4
Thus might I hide my blushing face
while his dear cross appears;
dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
and melt mine eyes in tears.
Verse 5
But drops of grief can ne'er repay
the debt of love I owe;
here, Lord, I give myself away;
'tis all that I can do.
Copyrighted lyrics may be used in corporate worship in accordance with a valid CCLI license. Lyrics should be displayed unaltered and include author and copyright information. All other uses require permission from the copyright holder.
Attribution & Copyright
Words: Isaac Watts, 1707
Music: Hugh Wilson, 1825; arr. Robert A. Smith, 1825
Music: Hugh Wilson, 1825; arr. Robert A. Smith, 1825