This edition was prepared by Barry Johnston — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Calvary
Staff Notation • Sacred, Anthems
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Calvary by Timothy Swan — Lyrics
Infinite grief! amazing woe!
Behold my bleeding Lord!
Hell and the Jews conspired his death,
And used the Roman sword.
O, the sharp pangs of smarting pain
My dear Redeemer bore,
When knotty whips and ragged thorns
His sacred body tore!
But knotty whips and ragged thorns
In vain do I accuse;
In vain I blame the Roman bands,
And the more spiteful Jews.
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About Calvary
Timothy Swan's Anthem, Calvary, is written for SATB choir and delivered in English. This sacred work explores the profound grief and suffering of Christ's crucifixion. The text directly confronts the listener, moving beyond the historical agents of Christ's death to identify personal sin as the true cause of his torment. The lyrics vividly describe the pain and anguish of the Redeemer, drawing a powerful connection between the physical wounds and the spiritual wounds inflicted by human transgression. The piece calls for deep repentance and emotional response, urging the soul to melt with sorrow and contrition as the full weight of sin's consequence is revealed.
