'Alas and Did My Savior Bleed' Appalachian folk hymn on mountain dulcimer by Timothy Seaman
http://www.timothyseaman.com/ This striking melody I found in old shape-note books is my favorite setting for the famous words by the master poet Isaac Watts from 1707. Here I've just played through the melody (with some variations) as a first try in preparation for a carefully arranged audio track to be done later.
(This is a redwood and walnut McSpadden baritone dulcimer tuned ADG.)
The words are so appropriate for this Maundy Thursday and Good Friday!
Alas! and did my Savior bleed,
and did my Sovereign die!
Would he devote that sacred head
for such a worm as I?
Was it for crimes that I have done,
he groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! Grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!
Well might the sun in darkness hide,
and shut its glories in,
when God, the mighty maker, died
for man the creature's sin.
Thus might I hide my blushing face
while his dear cross appears;
dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
and melt mine eyes to tears.
But drops of grief can ne'er repay
the debt of love I owe.
Here, Lord, I give myself away;
'tis all that I can do.