Holy, Holy, Holy
Hymn composed by
John Bacchus DykesContextual information
Tune Name
NICAEA
Tune Name
Text Meter
12.12.12.10.
10.9.10.9
Song Composer
John Bacchus DykesHymn Arranger
Composer Background information
In 1861, John Bacchus Dykes wrote the melody for this song, which is known as NICAEA. He wrote it as a musical setting for the original text by Reginald Heber which was written in 1826. I grew up singing that hymn in church, and always loved it. My version features the traditional melody but with my own text, which represents my effort to write lyrics that feel more resonant with my own beliefs, as well as with present-day cosmology.
Lyricist Background information
Arranger Background information
Lyrics
Holy, holy, holy, author of creation!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee;
holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty;
who was, and is, and evermore shall be.
Holy, holy, holy, though the darkness hide thee,
hindered by our vanities we have not eyes to see.
Only thou art holy, there is none beside thee,
perfect in power, in love, and purity.
Holy, holy, holy, author of creation!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea;
holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty;
who was, and is, and evermore shall be.
Resources
Music XML and MEI and MIDI and Musescore files