It was written by American Roman Catholic hymn-book editor Julia C. Dox (b 1871), and published in 1910 in the St Mark's Hymnal (ref) compiled in Peoria, Illinois, USA. This publication date means that it is now in the public domain in the USA, but the situation in other countries may be different.
With meter 7.7.7.7, the St Mark's Hymnal set it to a tune attributed to Handel.
Downloads
This section may contain affiliate links: I earn from qualifying purchases on these. Free downloads are provided where possible (eg for public domain items).
Examples
No on-line examples have been found. If you know where to find one, please leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.Lyrics
Traditional language
Saint Cecilia who dost singPraise forever to the King,
Make our hearts thy instrument
In His service ever spent.
Thou to music gave thy pow'rs
It will aid in darkest hours;
Music, the divinest art,
For in heaven it has a part.
Inspiration still it brings,
Dullest word it lendeth wings;
Thou who heavenly choirs doth lead,
St Cecilia for us plead.
Thou whose life was charity,
Help us to be more like thee.
Thou whose martyr's crown didst wear,
Hear and grant our fervent prayer.
May we sing while life shall last,
May we sing till death is past,
May we sing when heaven is won,
Praise to God, great Three in One.
Modern English
Saint Cecilia you who dost singPraise forever to the King,
Make our hearts your instrument
In God's service ever spent.
You to music gave your pow'rs
Seeking aid in darkest hours;
Music, the divinest art,
For in heaven it has a part.
Inspiration still it brings,
Dullest word are given wings;
You who heavenly choirs now lead,
St Cecilia for us plead.
You whose life was kind and good,
Help us to look heavenward.
You a martyr's crown did wear,
Hear and grant our fervent prayer.
May we sing while life shall last,
May we sing till death is past,
May we sing when heaven is won,
Praise to God, great Three in One.
No comments:
Post a Comment