Various translations have been made - and some of these were set to music as hymns. One of the best known is I Bind Unto Myself Today, which was put into verses by Cecil Frances Alexander (1818–1895) and set to a tune by Charles Villiers Stanford (1852–1924)
Another translation was by German scholar Kuno Meyer (1858–1919). Irish composer Shaun Davey set part of Meyer's translation to music of his own, originally to be sung by Rita Connolly for a Granada Television documentary about the treatment of the Birmingham Six. It was later added to the 1994 re-release and update of his CD titled “The Pilgrim”, under the title "The Deer's Cry".
Downloads
Examples
Rita Connolly with orchestra and choir:
Male choir with organ:
Lyrics
I arise todayThrough the strength of Heaven
Light of sun
Radiance of moon
Splendour of fire
Speed of lightning
Swiftness of wind
Depth of the sea
Stability of earth
Firmness of rock
I arise today
Through Gods strength to pilot me
Gods eye to look before me
Gods wisdom to guide me
Gods way to lie before me
Gods shield to protect me
From all who shall wish me ill
Afar and anear
Alone and in a multitude
Against every cruel
Merciless power
That may oppose my body and soul
Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ in me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise, Christ to shield me
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me
I arise today.
Very moving and sung with conviction and love!
ReplyDeleteFr. William Fitzgerald O.Praem
St. Michael's Abbey, Silverado, California.