Scripture Verse

Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem. Isaiah 52:1

Introduction

Words: F. G. Mc­Cau­ley, in Glo­ri­ous Things in Sac­red Song (De­la­ware, Ohio: T. C. O’Kane, 1886), pag­es 8–9.

Music: Tul­li­us C. O’Kane (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know Mc­Cau­ley’s full name, or where to get a good pho­to of him (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
Tullius O’Kane (1830–1912)

Lyrics

Awake! arise! put on thy strength,
In beauteous garments clothe thee now.
From death and darkness rise at length,
With starry crown adorn thy brow,
From dust and ashes rise to joy,
Let songs of praise thy lips employ.

Refrain

Behold the Lord shall comfort Zion with endless joy.
And all His people shall in praise their time employ.

Awake! arise, and shine in light,
No darkness now enshrouds thy feet;
With smiles, and gladness and delight,
Thy Lord and royal Mas­ter meet;
In majesty and honor rise—
Behold, the morning gilds the skies.

Refrain

Break forth and sing delightful strains,
For God has heard thy contrite prayer;
The balm of Gilead soothes thy pains,
For thee Je­ho­vah’s arm is bare.
The watchman lifts his voice and sings,
While God His own to Zion brings.

Refrain

Depart, depart, and leave thy sin,
Nor go by haste, nor leave by flight,
For God His own shall welcome in,
For thee the Lord of hosts shall fight;
Break forth and sing, O desert place,
The King of Zion comes to bless.

Refrain