I pretty much only sing this song about once or twice a year.
The imagery is just beautiful. For those who overdosed on ‘Shine Jesus Shine’, this is an example of Kendrick’s mature skill as a song-writer.
Originally composed in the context of the national outpouring of grief that occured in Britain after the death of Princess Diana, the song contrasts that overwhelming sentiment with the lack of recognition afforded to the Lord Jesus after His death and resurrection. It beautifully translates that sentiment to both the individual Christian’s life being an anticipation and precursor to the final fulfillment of God’s saving purpose when all creation will proclaim Christ as Lord.
Five verses, nice celty sort of lilt in the tune, and some arrangments have a key change. What’s not to like?
The lyrics.
1.
No scenes of stately majesty for the King of kings
No nights aglow with candle flame for the King of love
No flags of empire hung in shame for Calvary
No flowers perfumed the lonely way that led him to
A borrowed tomb for Easter Day
2.
No wreaths upon the ground were laid for the King of kings
Only a crown of thorns remained where he gave his love
A message scrawled in irony ‘King of the Jews’
Lay trampled where they turned away and no-one knew
That it was the first Easter Day
3.
Yet nature’s finest colours blaze for the King of kings
And stars in jewelled clusters say: ‘Worship heaven’s King’
Two thousand spring times more have bloomed Is that enough?
Oh how can I be satisfied until he hears
The whole world sing of Easter love
4.
My prayers shall be a fragrance sweet for the King of kings
My love the flowers at his feet for the King of love
My vigil is to watch and pray until he comes
My highest tribute to obey and live to know
The power of that first Easter Day
5.
I long for scenes of majesty for the risen King
Or nights aglow with candle flame for the King of love
A nation hushed upon it’s knees at Calvary
Where all our sins and griefs were nailed
And hope was born of everlasting Easter Day
Graham Kendrick
Copyright © 1998 Make Way Music,
http://www.grahamkendrick.co.uk
Follow this link to go and watch a YouTube rendition by the ethereal Moya Brennan.
mgpcpastor's blog 
So I’m not the only person in Christendom in 2010 who knows and loves this song. We did it twice today – only drawback is that it’s not really suited to congregational signing.
There must be lots of us, I’m sure.
I use it at our evening fellowship.
They’re very patient with my choices.
Thanks for stopping by.