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HYMN #0736 SSS #736 • SS&S Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #736: When our heads are

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

1
When our heads are bowed with woe,
When our bitter tears o’erflow,
When we mourn the lost, the dear—
Jesus, Son of David, hear!
2
Thou our feeble flesh hast worn,
Thou our mortal griefs hast borne;
Thou hast shed the human tear:
Jesus, Son of David, hear!
3
When the heart is sad within,
With the thought of all its sin;
When the spirit shrinks with fear;
Jesus, Son of David, hear!
4
Thou the shame, the grief, hast known;
Though the sins were not Thine own,
Thou hast deigned their load to bear:
Jesus, Son of David, hear!
5
When our eyes grow dim in death,
When we heave the parting breath,
When our solemn doom is near—
Jesus, Son of David, hear!
6
Thou hast bowed the dying head;
Thou the blood of life hast shed;
Thou hast filled a mortal bier:
Jesus, Son of David, hear!
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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "When our heads are"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #736 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 6 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: Standard Metrical Hymnody
  • Stanza Structure: 6 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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