HYMN #0935 SSS #935 • SS&S Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #935: Oh for a song, a fair

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

1

Oh, for a song, a fair new song,
Of praise, and joy, and love!
To reach the hearts of earth’s sad throng,
And lift to heaven above—
Of praise like the praise that the angels bring;
Of joy like the joy of the birds:
Of the love in our hearts for the Christ our King —
Love ever too deep for words.

2

Oh, for a song, a fair new song,
That ne’er was sung before!
To sing to Him to whom belong
Our praises evermore —
A song like the echo from harps above,
Dropped down from the city of gold;
Yea, a song of the joy, and the praise, and love,
That ne’er hath been sung or told.

3

Oh, who shall sing this fair new song,
Or make its chords complete —
All notes of love, in souls that throng,
And place before His feet.
All fadeless the flowers in His pathway strewn,
The pathway of Jesus our King?
Help us, Lord! for alas, sadly out of tune
Are the hearts which the song would sing.

4

Oh, help us, Lord! who knowest all!
We cannot sing or speak;
The clearest notes our lips let fall
Seem e’er too cold and weak:
Though sweet are the strains which
our songs have rung
From earth to the city of gold,
Yet His fulness of glory we never have sung—
The half ne’er hath yet been told.

5

Such songs as angels ne’er can bring,
The joy more pure than birds;
The love we bear for Christ our King -
’Tis far too deep for words.
Be still, heart of mine! we must wait a while,
Thy God will attune thee ere long;
Then in heaven thou shalt sing in the Master’s smile
For ever the fair new song!

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "Oh for a song, a fair"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #935 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: Standard Metrical Hymnody
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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