|
|
| |
|
Since long ago
at Bethany we parted,
Within my heart
there is a ceaseless void;
How can I take my harp down
from the willow?
How can my songs
without Thee be enjoyed?
Thy manger wakes the thought:
I too am homeless;
Thy cross strips
earthly pleasures from my soul;
Thy coming bids me
seek a better country,
For Thou Thyself
art now my final goal.
Though even now I know
Thy loving presence,
Yet in my heart
there’s still a sense of lack.
Enlightening and
tenderest sustaining
Can no more satisfy:
I want Thee back.
What exile cannot
but desire his homeland
And long his people
once again to greet?
What soul on alien soil
forgets his kindred?
What parted lovers
never yearn to meet?
Could’st Thou, O Lord,
forget Thy word of promise
Soon to return
and take me unto Thee?
Yet day by day
and year by year I’ve waited
And still I wait,
and no return I see!
From generation unto generation
Thy saints have come and gone,
but have not seen
Thy glorious promise pass
into fulfilment.
How long, how very long
the time has been!
Lord, I recall
the many years I’ve waited
For Thy return-yet,
Lord, not I alone,
But Thy dear saints
through many generations-
Beseeching Thee
to come back for Thine own.
|
marker 99
|
LYRICS
|
Meter:
|
11 10 11 10 11 10 11 12
|
|
Writer(s):
|
|
|
Trans/Adapted:
|
| |
Dates:
|
|
|
Bible Refs:
|
|
MUSIC
|
Name:
|
LONDONDERRY AIR
|
|
Meter:
|
11 10 11 10 11 10 11 12
|
|
Writer(s):
|
|
|
Dates:
|
c. 17 cent
|
LIST OF MUSIC SOURCES
|
Hymn/Song Book
|
Song #
|
Key
|
| # 83 | C | | # 205 | C | | # 1433 | C | | # 238 | C | | # 183 | D | | # 809 | D | | # 547 | Db | | # 87 | G |
echo ' | ';
|
Hymn Writer
