The challenge today is writing words to fit existing music.
Or if you prefer, poetry with fixed limits.
For Maundy Thursday this year I have addressed the annual search for a church song that doesn’t focus on resurrection, but that people can remember. Maundy Thursday is one of those dates on the calendar that has specific material because it’s of its own kind.
So I have written new words to a classic hymn tune – Rockingham – that for most churchgoers in the UK is familiar as “When I survey the wond’rous Cross” from the father of English-language hymnody, Isaac Watts.
One of the alleged joys of repurposing a song from Watts’ back catalogue (the tune is actually by Edward Miller) is the regular metre – 8.8.8.8 or 88 88 or Long Metre (L.M.) so it sounds a bit like sixth form doggerel if not treated with care and respect.
Here they are. Words to use when you aren’t quite at Good Friday yet, but you can see which way the wind is blowing from the way Jesus talks and Judas’ hasty exit.
How can it be that love divine
should show itself as Jesus lifts
a loaf of bread, a cup of wine?
Our Saviour shares these simple gifts.
The Bread of life, who calls us here
is soon to die upon a cross.
Both blood and water greet the spear,
and all creation mourns his loss.
The morning sky turns dark and bleak.
The temple curtain tears in two.
We hear the God of heaven speak:
“He does this, mortal, all for you.”
O be our guardian in this strife,
O Spirit, make our hearts anew.
So we who know eternal life
can offer worthy praise to you.
Copyright ©2025 Andrew Clayton
to the tune Rockingham
A recording will probably follow, when I find the time. For now, it’s enough to know the hymn will be used on Thursday evening at my place. Church music doing its job – helping the congregation to parse the meditations of their hearts and the words of their mouths.
Author’s note – yes, it will fit O Waly Waly, Old Hundredth, and even Tallis’ Canon. Do as you see fit.
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