Within the Shadow of the Cross

This is a hymn for for Good Friday, which reflects on the Crucifixion through the eyes of a child in the crowd on Calvary.

It was written by American music teacher, conductor and composer Don Besig (b 1936), in collaboration with his former student, American high school choir director, choral clinician, choral singer and soloist Nancy Price (b 1958).

It was first published by Shawnee Press in 1955.

Image adapt from PxHere, CC0

Downloads

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SAB choir arrangement by Don Besig, published by Shawnee Press

Examples

Choir with piano, words on-screen:

Virtual choir with electronic keyboard:

Singer with piano and violin:

Choir in a church-service:

Choir with piano, flute and cello:

Lyrics

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

Within the shadow of the cross
He stood on Calvary.
A little boy, alone and lost
A little child like me.

Within the shadow of the cross
He turned and raised his arms
He wondered who this stranger was,
Why did he have to die.

The angry mob cried out with scorn
They showed now shame or grief:
But silence fell upon them as the man begun to speak.
For though his voice was faint and weak, the words were clear and true.
"Father forgive them, for they know not what they do".

Within the shadow of the cross
The child began to cry:
He felt the pain, he felt the loss,
He watched the stranger die.

Then all at once the air was cold,
The sky was dark and grey
And those who watched were filled with fear,
Turned and went away.

But through the storm, the child remained
His fears were all but gone:
Now he knew the answer,
He had felt the touch of God.

Within the shadow of the cross
He knelt on Calvary:
No longer a boy, no longer lost,
A child of God, like you and me.