Isaac Watts was an influential English hymn writer and theologian, often called the Father of English Hymnody.
Watts revolutionized hymn writing by moving away from Psalms and creating hymns that expressed personal faith and emotional devotion.
His work greatly impacted Christian worship, especially in Protestant traditions, and continues to shape hymnody today. Watts also wrote on theology and logic, contributing to both intellectual and religious thought.
About the Song
Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed is a classic Christian hymn, and it reflects on the sorrow and gratitude for Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
The hymn focuses on the emotional impact of Christ’s suffering, urging believers to recognize the depth of His love and the personal sacrifice He made for humanity’s sins.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | 1707 |
| Album | Hymns and Spiritual Songs |
| Writers | Isaac Watts |
Read Full Lyrics Of Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed
Alas! and did my Savior bleed,
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For sinners such 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 His glories in,
When Christ, 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.
Similar Songs Like Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed
Here are some similar hymns to Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed, which also reflects on Christ’s sacrifice, suffering, and redemption:
- When I Survey The Wondrous Cross: Another powerful hymn by Watts, it focuses on the reflection of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, emphasizing the humility and awe that believers feel in response to His love.
- O Sacred Head, Now Wounded: By Bernard of Clairvaux (translated by James Waddell Alexander), this hymn meditates on Christ’s physical suffering on the cross, focusing on His wounds and sacrifice.
- At the Cross: Written by Watts as well, this hymn centers on the personal change that occurs at the foot of the cross and the forgiveness found in Christ’s sacrifice.
- The Old Rugged Cross: This hymn reflects on the enduring significance of the cross, where Christ’s death brings both sorrow and hope, as it represents salvation for humanity.
Similar Artists Like Isaac Watts
Some similar artists and hymn writers to Isaac Watts, known for their contributions to Christian hymnody and sacred music:
- Charles Wesley
Genre: Christian Hymnody
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Refrain in Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed?
A refrain was added in 1885 by Ralph E. Hudson, making the hymn also known as At the Cross. The refrain is widely sung in many congregations today.
Has Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed had a Historical Impact?
Yes, it has been used in many revival movements and remains a staple in hymnals and Christian worship around the world.
Why does the Hymn Use the Phrase For Such A Worm As I?
This phrase, found in the original text, emphasizes human unworthiness in light of Christ’s sacrifice. Some modern hymnals update it to for such a one as I or for sinners such as I to soften the language.
