WORSHIP >> Adoration & Praise
SDAH 34
Wake the song of joy and gladness;
Hither bring your noblest lays;
Banish every thought of sadness,
Pouring forth your highest praise.
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For Worship Leaders
Make each hymn more meaningful with these helpful tools: Short, ready-to-use hymn introductions for church bulletins, multiple ways to introduce a hymn based on your worship theme and in-depth history and insights to enrich your song service.
Hymn Spotlight: Wake the Song
A joyful hymn of celebration, Wake the Song was written as a temperance song by William Fisk Sherwin (1826–1888). The second stanza’s reference to “banners” and “the feast day” reflects its origins in the temperance movement, which encouraged spiritual renewal and social reform. The hymn also includes a Trinitarian theme, praising the Holy Father, the Loving Savior, and the Holy Spirit.
The tune, ANNIVERSARY SONG, is marked by its lively rhythm, with each line beginning with dotted eighth and sixteenth notes, creating a sense of joyful energy. This buoyant melody makes it a favorite for gatherings of praise and renewal, stirring hearts to sing with gratitude and devotion.
As we lift our voices today, may we wake the song of joy and gladness, rejoicing in the goodness of our God!
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Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
This hymn, both words and music, was written by William Fisk Sherwin, (1826-1888; see Biographies) as a temperance song. Hence the reference in the second stanza to “banners” and “the feast day.” Note the reference in the stanza to the Trinity: “holy Father,” “loving Savior,” and “Holy Spirit.”
The tune, appropriately named ANNIVERSARY SONG, has a joyful rhythm as each of its eight lines begins with dotted eight and sixteenth notes. This motif is seen also in the refrain.
Stanza:
1 – Isaiah 51:3
2 – John 12:12, 13
3 – 1 Peter 1:18, 19
John 20:22
Text
1
Wake the song of joy and gladness;
Hither bring your noblest lays;
Banish every thought of sadness,
Pouring forth your highest praise.
Sing to Him whose care has brought us
Once again with friends to meet,
And whose loving voice has taught us
Of the way to Jesus’ feet.
Refrain
Wake the song, wake the song,
The song of joy and gladness,
Wake the song, wake the song,
The song of Jubilee.
2
Joyfully with songs and banners,
We will greet the festal day;
Shout aloud our glad hosannas,
And our grateful homage pay.
We will chant our Savior’s glory
while our thoughts we raise above,
Telling still the old, old, story,
Precious theme- redeeming love!
3
Thanks to Thee, O holy Father,
For the mercies of the year;
May each heart, as here we gather,
Swell with gratitude sincere,
Thanks to Thee, O loving Savior,
For redemption through Thy blood.
Breathe upon us, Holy Spirit,
Sweetly draw us near to God.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Isa 51:3 (b) John 12: 12, 13 (c) 1 Pet 1:18, 19, John 20:22
Author
W.F. Sherwin (1826-1888)
Metrical Number
8.7.8.7.D. Ref.
Composer
W.F. Sherwin
Theme
ADORATION AND PRAISE
