Piano Demo
0:00
Hymnal Number
244Resource Type:
Keys included:
Eb
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?
Chorus
At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away, it was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day!
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
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?
Chorus
At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away, it was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day!
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
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; Salvation Army refrain, ca. 1883
Music: Ralph Hudson, 1885; ref. Hermann L. Schreiner, 1864
Music: Ralph Hudson, 1885; ref. Hermann L. Schreiner, 1864