This edition was prepared by Andrew Sims — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
A stranger once did bless the earth
Staff Notation • Sacred, Hymns
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2 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
SATB · Andrew Sims
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A stranger once did bless the earth by Henry Carey — Lyrics
A stranger once did bless the earth
who never caused a heart to mourn,
whose very voice gave sorrow mirth;
and how did earth his worth return?
it spurned him from its lowliest lot:
the meanest station owned him not.
An outcast thrown in sorrow’s way,
a fugitive that knew no sin,
yet in lone places forced to stray;
men would not take the stranger in.
Yet peace, though much himself he mourned,
was all to others he returned.
His presence was a peace to all,
he bade the sorrowful rejoice.
Pain turned to pleasure at his call,
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About A stranger once did bless the earth
Henry Carey's A stranger once did bless the earth paints a poignant picture of Christ's earthly journey, an outcast met with rejection despite his divine purpose. The SATB choir expresses the text's profound themes of suffering and selfless love, as the stranger's presence brought peace and healing to all he encountered. The English lyrics explore the paradox of a saviour who found no refuge on earth, yet offered solace and joy to others. This hymn setting offers a moving reflection on humility and compassion, inviting reflection on the stranger's ultimate sacrifice and the redemptive power of his message.
