Singing the Living Tradition ‎#127

127. Can I See Another's Woe?

1 Can I see another’s woe,
and not be in sorrow too?
Can I see another’s grief,
and not seek for kind relief?

2 Can I see a falling tear,
and not feel my sorrow’s share?
Can a father see his child weep,
nor be with sorrow filled?

3 Can a mother sit and hear
infant groan, an infant fear?
No, no, never can it be!
Never, never can it be!

Text Information

• First Line: Can I see another's woe
• Title: Can I See Another's Woe?
• Author: William Blake, 1757-1827 (alt.)
• Meter: 7.7.7.7.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1993
• Topic: Words and Deeds of Prophetic Women and Men: Love and Compassion; Compassion; Parents; Sorrow

Tune Information

• Name: NUN KOMM, DER HEIDEN HEILAND
• Harmonizer: Seth Calvisius, 1556-1615
• Meter: 7.7.7.7.
• Key: f minor
• Source: Melody based on "Veni Redemptor Gentium," Enchiridion, Erfurt, 1524