Timeless words from Charles Wesley adapted for a contemporary setting. This is a demo version of a song that will be on my upcoming CD, 'A Long Time Coming.'
Jim Allbery writes heartfelt songs of faith, and is not afraid to tackle tough subjects. His songs draw from a variety of inspirations, including the Bible, hymns, and daily life.
Story behind the song
I wanted to write a contemporary Christian song based on a traditional hymn. Charles Wesley is one of my favorite hymn writers, so "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing" was a natural choice.
Lyrics
A Thousand Tongues
Written by: Jim Allbery (Adapted from Charles Wesley)
O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer's praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of his grace!
My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread throughout the earth abroad
The wonder of your name.
And if I had a thousand tongues
What a glorious song I'd sing—
A song of praise to God on high,
My redeemer and my King.
Christ's name brings calm to all:
Our fears and sorrow cease.
For everyone who hears His call
Has found eternal peace.
Christ speaks, and with his voice,
New life the dead receive,
The mournful, broken hearts rejoice,
The humble poor believe.
And if I had a thousand tongues
My song would never cease.
I'd sing of all the glory of the
The wonderful Prince of Peace.
Bridge:
For He broke the power of my sin,
And He set my poor soul free.
His blood poured out for all the world;
His blood poured out for me… for me!
When with my heart I first believed,
Believed with faith divine,
Power with the Holy Ghost received
To call the Savior mine.
I felt the Lord's atoning blood
To my weary soul applied;
And realized the very Son of God,
For my sins was crucified!
And if I had a thousand tongues
My song would never end
A song of praise to God on high,
My redeemer and my friend.
Yes, if I had a thousand tongues
What a joyful noise I'd raise:
An endless song of thankfulness,
An endless song of praise.
An endless song of thankfulness,
An endless song of praise.
(These lyrics are based in part from excerpts from Charles Wesley's "For the Anniversary Day of One's Conversion", which was the source of the great hymn, "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing." Lyrics adapted, revised and extended by Jim Allbery.)
