O King, You Are Most Worthy is Matt Searles’ rendition of Psalm 45, set to Gustav Holsts’ Thaxted.
It is one of the tracks from his just released album From The River To The Ends Of The Earth.
The versification is a thematic paraphrase in places, while tighter in others.
I’m a bit sad about the absence of the stirring opening lines.
The second half of the final verse opens up the biblical theological theme of the Psalm.
This is the only song on the album (I think) which is not an original tune, but it is very accessible.
1.
O King, you are most worthy, of men you are the best
Your words are true and gracious, you are forever blessed
Take up your sword in splendour, ride forth in majesty
For justice and mercy and true humility
Your arrows pierce your enemies, you march across the land
The peoples and the nations against you cannot stand
2.
Your throne will last forever, with justice you shall reign
You love all that is righteous and hate all evil gain
So God has richly blessed you with joy abundantly
Your robes are all fragrant, your courts are ivory
There princesses attend you, sweet music from of old
Your future queen awaits you arrayed in finest gold
3.
O bride forsake all others, don’t give your love abroad
The king desires your beauty; so honour him your Lord
The gown he gives is glorious, the threads are twined with gold
In shimmering colours the envy of the world
A joyful crowd is with her, with gladness now they sing
And finally she enters the palace of the king
4.
This king will reign forever, his sons upon the earth
And ev’ry generation will tell of his great worth
All nations will soon praise him and fall down at his feet
His kingdom established, where truth and mercy meet
O Jesus we adore you, our lover and our king
Your church, your bride is waiting and so to you we sing
(c) 2013 Matt Searles.
Listen to the album track, available at bandcamp.
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