This hymn is one that I love and that is truly an American one as it rose out of shape note singing. Chanticleer released a CD of international music which had this for its title piece. I think I’ve sung it in every church I’ve been part of — it’s a wonderful hymn for Lent because it is in a minor key and it talks about Christ’s death on the Cross.<\/p>\n
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
\nWhat wondrous love is this, O my soul!
\nWhat wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
\nTo bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
\nTo bear the dreadful curse for my soul.<\/p>\nWhen I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
\nWhen I was sinking down, sinking down,
\nWhen I was sinking down beneath God??s righteous frown,
\nChrist laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul,
\nChrist laid aside His crown for my soul.<\/p>\nTo God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing;
\nTo God and to the Lamb, I will sing.
\nTo God and to the Lamb Who is the great ??I Am??;
\nWhile millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;
\nWhile millions join the theme, I will sing.<\/p>\nAnd when from death I??m free, I??ll sing on, I??ll sing on;
\nAnd when from death I??m free, I??ll sing on.
\nAnd when from death I??m free, I??ll sing and joyful be;
\nAnd through eternity, I??ll sing on, I??ll sing on;
\nAnd through eternity, I??ll sing on.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n(HT: Net Hymnal for the lyrics<\/a>)<\/p>\n
So that people can hear the wonderfulness of the hymn, I have the Chanticleer arrangement from YouTube<\/a>. It includes a verse that I haven’t found in any hymnals and omits the last verse listed here. I’m a huge fan of Chanticleer to begin with so of course I love this arrangement. Another beautiful one<\/a> is done by Fernando Ortega<\/a>.<\/p>\n