Via Dolorosa

This song for Good Friday was written by American evangelical pop singer, songwriter and music producer Billy Sprague (b 1952) and American Christian music songwriter Niles A Borop (b 1956)  (ref).

It is named after and inspired by the Via Dolorosa is a street in the Old City of Jerusalem which is traditionally held to be the path Jesus walked on the way to his Crucifixion.

The song was originally published in 1984 by Meadowgreen Music / Word music. and included in Songs from the Heart, an album by American singer Sandy Patty in that year:  many people many people now (incorrectly) attribute it to her.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Sprague and Borop.     This has a C time signature. In the key of Gm, the first few notes are G A B_ D G B A_ F

Downloads

Interactive download arranged for piano and guitar (chords only) with words - 4 pages

Downloadable sheet music with lyrics, for piano with guitar chords

Examples

Sandy Patty with band and graphic video:

Duet with acoustic guitar:

Choir with piano:

Choir with backing:

Small group with band - professional recording:

Singer with piano and orchestra backing:

Instrumental - pan pipes with organ:

Instrumental - handbells with piano:

Instrumental - organ:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

1  Down the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem that day ...

2 He was bleeding from the beating, there were stripes upon his back ...

3 Down the Via Dolorosa, called the way of suffering,
....Down the Via Dolorosa all the way to Calvary.

4 The blood that would cleanse the souls of all men ....

See more ...

• Hymns about the crucifixion
• Hymns for Good Friday

KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY
Down the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem that day,
The soldiers tried to clear the narrow streets,
but the crowd pressed in to see
the Man condemned to die on Calvary.

2 He was bleeding from the beating, there were stripes upon his back,
And He wore a crown of thorns upon His head,
He bore with every step
The scorn for those who cried out for his death.

3 Down the Via Dolorosa, called the way of suffering,
Like a lamb came the Messiah…Christ the King!
But he chose to walk that road out of his love for you and me.
Down the Via Dolorosa all the way to Calvary.

4 The blood that would cleanse the souls of all men,
Made its way through the heart
Of Jerusalem!

He walked that road for YOU and ME…to Calvary.