This hymn has probably got more differing versions of the words that most hymns. The reason I suppose is that the original words evoked too much pity for some Christian people to stomach. The sufferings of Christ they would say are not to meant to make us wallow in pity, but to recognize in awe and gratitude what they achieved. ‘God does not need our pity but requires an appropriate response of commitment’. Others of us have been brought up with the original words (whatever they might be, I’m not quite sure) and see no reason for tampering with them. This presents a problem if you are writing a descant!
Which words should I use? Well I have put down 2 different verses…take your pick. Or if you like other words (and like the descant below) let me know and I’ll produce those for you under the music. Jubilate Hymns have probably produced the best modern words that won’t get up the noses of the anti-pity brigade. I’m not sure if it would be legal for me to put them under the music since they are copyright.
But they seem freely available on the internet so here they are:
O sacred head surrounded
by crown of piercing thorn;
O royal head so wounded,
reviled and put to scorn:
death’s shadows rise before you,
the glow of life decays,
yet angel hosts adore you
and tremble as they gaze!
Your youthfulness and vigour
are spent, your strength is gone,
and in your tortured figure
I see death drawing on:
what agony of dying,
what love, to sinners free!
My Lord, all grace supplying,
O turn your face on me!
Your sinless soul’s oppression
was all for sinners’ gain;
mine, mine was the transgression,
but yours the deadly pain:
I bow my head, my Saviour,
for I deserve your place;
O grant to me your favour,
and heal me by your grace.
What language shall I borrow
to thank you, dearest Friend,
for this your dying sorrow,
your mercy without end?
Lord, make me yours for ever:
your servant let me be;
and may I never, never
betray your love for me.
Jubilate Hymns version of Salve caput cruentatum Paulus Gerhardt (1607 – 1676) translated by James W Alexander (1804 – 1859) and Henry W Baker (1821 – 1877)
© Jubilate Hymns Ltd. 7 6 7 6 D Iambic
I suggest that the descant is used in one of the middle verses unless you are happy ending in E major rather than A minor. Use J.S. Bach’s harmonization for the normal verses. It’s found in most hymnbooks. It’s the best.
