RitualSong ‎#569

569. O Sacred Head Surrounded

1 O Sacred Head surrounded
By crown of piercing thorn!
O bleeding Head, so wounded,
Reviled and put to scorn!
The pow'r of death comes o'er you,
The glow of life decays,
Yet angel hosts adore you,
And tremble as they gaze.

2 I see your strength and vigor
All fading in the strife,
And death with cruel rigor,
Bereaving you of life;
O agony and dying!
O love to sinners free!
Jesus, all grace supplying,
O turn your face on me.

3 In this, your bitter passion,
Good Shepherd, think of me
With your most sweet compassion,
Unworthy though I be:
Beneath your cross abiding
For ever would I rest,
In your dear love confiding,
And with your presence blest.

Text Information

• First Line: O Sacred Head surrounded
• Title: O Sacred Head Surrounded
• Latin Title: Salve caput crentatum
• Author (attributed to): Bernard of Clairvaux, 1091-1153
• Translator: Henry Baker, 1821-1877
• Meter: 7 6 7 6 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1996
• Scripture:
  John 19
  ;
  Mark 15:17-18
• Topic: Good Friday; Jesus Christ; Love of God for Us; Palm Sunday; Petition; Shepherd; Suffering

Tune Information

• Name: PASSION CHORALE
• Composer: Hans Leo Hassler, 1564-1612
• Harmonizer: J. S. Bach, 1685-1750
• Meter: 7 6 7 6 D
• Key: a minor or modal