Expression (O Jesus, My Savior)
SATB with solo violin. An arrangement of a mournful tune from the Sacred Harp. Haunting, modal, and starkly beautiful.
O Jesus, my savior, I know thou art mine.
For thee all the pleasures of earth I resign.
Of objects most pleasing, I love thee the best;
Without thee I'm wretched, but with thee I'm blessed.
For thee all the pleasures of sense I'll forego;
And wander a pilgrim despised below.
Thou art my rich treasure, my joy and my love;
No finer possessed by the angels above.
I find him in singing, I find him in prayer;
In sweet meditation he always is near.
My constant companion, O may we ne'er part!
All glory to Jesus; he dwells in my heart.
Then happy in Christ, I regard not the crowd,
Though sinners despise me for singing so loud.
My Jesus is precious; my soul's all aflame;
I'm raised into rapture while praising his name.