This edition was prepared by Andrew Sims — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Come, ye faithful, raise the strain
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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Come, ye faithful, raise the strain by Arthur Sullivan — Lyrics
Come, ye faithful, raise the strain
Of triumphant gladness;
God hath brought his Israel
Into joy from sadness;
Loosed from Pharaoh's bitter yoke
Jacob's sons and daughters;
Led them with unmoistened foot
through the Red Sea waters.
'Tis the spring of souls today;
Christ hath burst His prison,
And from three days' sleep in death,
As a sun hath risen;
All the winter of our sins,
Long and dark, is flying
From His light, to whom we give
Laud and praise undying.
Now the queen of seasons, bright
With the day of splendour,
With the royal feast of feasts,
Comes its joy to render;
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About Come, ye faithful, raise the strain
This stirring hymn celebrates the resurrection of Christ, describing it as the springtime of souls and a victory over death. The text draws parallels between the Israelites' liberation from Egypt and crossing the Red Sea, and humanity's freedom from sin through Christ's triumph. The music by Arthur Sullivan, set for SATB choir, reflects the exultant mood of the lyrics. The composer's skill in setting hymn texts to memorable and singable melodies is evident here, making it a powerful choice for services marking Easter or other occasions of profound spiritual rejoicing. The English words speak of profound gladness and undying praise.
