The King of Glory Comes

This is a folk-style hymn, suitable for Palm Sunday, Christ the King and Advent.

It was written by American Roman Catholic priest, teacher, playwright, folk-composer and author Willard F Jabusch (1930-2018) in 1965.

The song was first published in the Hymnal for Young Christians, volume 1 (FEL, Chicago, 1966). Copyright is still owned by Jabusch, but is now administered by OCP Publications.

The chorus and first verse are based on Psalm 24:7-8, while other verses recount events from Jesus life and work.

With meter 12.12 with refrain, the text is set to a folk tune which the author learnt while studying in Israel. In English, it is named PROMISED ONE or GILU HAGALILIM. It is reportedly of Eastern European origin, and taken to Israel by settlers after the First World War.

The tune has a 2/4 time signature. In the key of Em, the first few notes of the melody are G G F EB, EF GG FE E_

It is included in a number of hymn-books, but no stand-alone sheet music has been found.

Downloads

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Examples

Professional duo with folk-instrument accompaniment

Praise band with guitar and drums:

Choir and congregation in a Methodist church, with organ accompaniment

Band (professional recording) with artwork:

Instrumental: piano and strings:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright - but are available on this website.

The son has five verses, each with four lines, and there is also a four-line chorus which is sung at the beginning and repeated after each verse. A rough outline is:

Chorus:
The King of glory comes,
the nation rejoices.
Open the gates before him,
lift up your voices.

1. Who is the King of glory ...

2. In all of Galilee...

3. Sing then of David’s Son ...

4. He gave his life for us ...

5. He conquered sin and death ...