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HYMN #0160 SSS #160 • SS&S Meter: P.M. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #160: They come and go ,

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Sacred Songs & Solos

1
They come and go, the seasons fair,
And bring their spoil to vale and hills;
But oh, there is waiting in the air,
And a passionate hope the spirit fills.
Why doth He tarry, the absent Lord?
When shall the Kingdom be restored.
And earth and heaven with one accord,
Ring out the cry that the King comes?
What will it be when the King comes!
What will it be when the King comes!
What will it be when He comes! . .
What will it be when the King comes!
2
The floods have lifted up their voice;
The King hath come to His own—
His own!
The little hills and vales rejoice,
His right it is to take the crown.
Sleepers, awake, and meet Him first!
Now let the marriage hymn outburst!
And powers of darkness flee, dis-perst—
What will it be when the King comes!
3
A ransomed earth breaks forth in song,
Her sin-stained ages over-past;
Her yearning, "Lord, how long, how
long?
"Exchanged for joy at last—at last!
Angels, carry the royal commands;
Peace beams forth throughout all the lands:
The trees of the field shall clap their hands—
What will it be when the King comes!
4
Now Zion’s hill, with glory crowned,
Uplifts her head with joy once more;
And Zion’s King, once scorned,disowned,
Extends her rule from shore to shore.
Sing, for the land her Lord regains!
Sing, for the Son of David reigns!
And living streams o’erflow her plains—
What will it be when the King comes!
5
O brothers, stand as men that wait,
The dawn is purpling in the east,
And banners wave from heaven’s high gate;
The conflict now—but soon the feast.
Mercy and truth shall meet again;
Worthy the Lamb that once was slain;
We can suffer now—He will know us then—
What will it be when the King comes!
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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "They come and go ,"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #160 in Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200 Hymns), compiled by the American gospel singer and hymnologist Ira David Sankey (1840–1908).

Sankey popularized these sacred songs during the transatlantic evangelistic campaigns led alongside Dwight L. Moody between 1873 and 1903. The compilation became one of the most widely printed hymnals in Christendom, cherished by Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Pentecostal congregations throughout the world.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 5 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

  • Poetic Meter: P.M.
  • Stanza Structure: 5 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
  • Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
  • Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship
⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.
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