This edition was prepared by Barry Johnston — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Andover
Staff Notation • Sacred
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Andover by William Billings — Lyrics
Awake, my heart; arise, my tongue,
Prepare a tuneful voice;
In God, the life of all my joys,
Aloud will I rejoice.
'Tis he adorned my naked soul,
And made salvation mine;
Upon a poor polluted worm
He makes his graces shine.
And lest the shadow of a spot
Should on my soul be found,
He took the robe the Savior wrought,
And cast it all around.
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About Andover
William Billings, a self-taught American composer of the colonial era, created this anthem. Andover is written for SATB choir and is sung in English. Its text is a powerful expression of spiritual awakening and gratitude for divine salvation. The lyrics vividly describe the soul being clothed in righteousness through Christ's sacrifice, a transformation that far surpasses any earthly adornment. Billings's setting captures the fervent joy and awe inspired by this profound theological concept, urging the singer to 'rejoice aloud' in God. The music reflects the earnest, direct nature of the text, suitable for congregational singing or a dedicated anthem within a service.
