O Sacred Head Now Wounded - Traditional

O sacred Head, now wounded,
With grief and shame weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded
With thorns, Thine only crown;
O sacred Head, what glory,
What bliss till now was Thine!
Yet, though despised and gory,
I joy to call Thee mine.

What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered,
Was all for sinners' gain;
Mine, mine was the transgression,
But Thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior!
'Tis I deserve Thy place;
Look on me with Thy favor,
Vouchsafe to me Thy grace.

What language shall I borrow
To thank Thee, dearest Friend,
For this Thy dying sorrow,
Thy pity without end?
O make me Thine forever;
And should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never
Outlive my love to Thee.

O Sacred Head Now Wounded lyrics are based on a medieval Latin poem and were famously translated into German by Paul Gerhardt. The song focuses on the crown of thorns the pale face and the mocking that the Savior endured for the sake of humanity. It is a staple of Good Friday services and is known for its exquisite and mournful melody arranged by J.S. Bach. By singing the O Sacred Head Now Wounded lyrics the faithful stand at the foot of the cross acknowledging their part in the Saviors grief and finding hope in the love that remained steadfast even unto death. It is a profound expression of empathy and faith.