The Holy City

"The Holy City" is a religious Victorian-era ballad composed in 1892 by Michael Maybrick (using the alias Stephen Adams) with lyrics by Frederic Weatherly. It depicts Jesus Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, His crucifixion, and the vision of a peaceful New Jerusalem (Zion),  a universal peace and brotherhood, which is foretold in Isaiah 2:4 and Isaiah 11:6–9. 

The song gained immense popularity in the UK and US in the early 20th century and 
was further boosted by its inclusion in the 1936 film "San Francisco," where it was sung by Jeanette MacDonald. It continues to be performed in various settings, including church services, concerts, and recitals, and has been translated into many other languages. 

“The Holy City” is mentioned in James Joyce's Ulysses (1922) and the melody formed the basis of a spiritual titled “Hosanna”, which in turn was the basis for the opening of Duke Ellington's "Black and Tan Fantasy". In the 1970s it was also translated into Afrikaans and sung by South African baritone Gé Korsten under the title "Jerusalem". 

Our prelude Sunday morning will be our own Connor Burns playing this well known classic on his new Rath trombone. What a blessing it is to have such talented young  musicians in our church. Below are the words and a recording of “The Holy City”. As you listen to Connor play on Sunday morning, remembering the lyrics and sermons from the last 6 weeks, and know that the battle is already won! Praise God. 

1. Last night I lay a sleeping,
There came a dream so fair,
I stood in old Jerusalem
Beside the temple there.
I heard the children singing,
And ever as they sang,
Me thought the voice of angels
From Heav’n in answer rang;

(Refrain)
Jerusalem! Jerusalem!
Lift up your gates and sing,
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna to your King!

2. And then me thought my dream was changed,
The streets no longer rang,
Hushed were the glad hosannas
The little children sang.
The sun grew dark with mystery,
The morn was cold and chill,
As the shadow of a cross arose
Upon a lonely hill;

3. And once again the scene was changed,
New earth there seem’d to be,
I saw the Holy City
Beside the tideless sea;
The light of God was on its streets,
The gates were open wide,
And all who would might enter,
And no one was denied.
No need of moon or stars by night,
Or sun to shine by day,
It was the new Jerusalem,
That would not pass away,

Jerusalem! Jerusalem!
Sing, for the night is o’er!
Hosanna in the highest,
Hosanna for evermore!

Stephen Adams’ “The Holy City”: London Boy Singers 1973 (Jonathan Steele)

Blessings,
Dorene

Sources: 
The Cyber Hymnal #2521 
hymnary.org/text/last_night_i_lay_a_sleeping