The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #24662   Message #668359
Posted By: Wolfgang
13-Mar-02 - 11:44 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Looking for hymn set to 'Ode to Joy'
Subject: Ode to Joy
Here's another set of English lyrics. The closest to Schiller's words I have found.

Wolfgang

ODE TO JOY

O brothers, no more these sounds continue!
Let us raise a song of sympathy, of gladness
O joy, let us praise thee!

Praise to Joy, the God-descended
Daughter of Elysium!
Ray of mirth and rapture blended,
Goddess, to thy shrine we come.
By thy magic is united
What stern Custom parted wide,
All mankind are brothers plighted
Where thy gentle wings abide.

Ye to whom the boon is measured,
Friend to be of faithful friend,
Who a wife has won and treasured,
To our strain your voices lend!
Yea, if any hold in keeping
Only one heart all his own,
Let him join us, or else weeping,
Steal from out our midst, unknown.

Draughts of joy, from cup o'erflowing,
Boundteous Nature freely gives
Grace to just and unjust showing,
Blessing everything that lives.
Wine she gave to us and kisses,
Loyal friend on life's steep road,
E'en the worm can feel life's blisses,
And the Seraph dewells with God.

Glad as the sun His will sent plying
Through the vast abyss of space.
Brothers run your joyous race,
Hero-like to conquest flying

O ye millions, I embrace ye!
With a kiss for all the world!
Brothers, o'er yon starry sphere
Surely dwells a loving Father.

O ye millions, kneel before Him,
World, dost feel thy Maker near?
Seek Him o'er yon starry sphere,
O'er the stars enthroned, adore Him!