Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed – Lyrics, Meaning, Chords & History

Let’s dive into the full hymn lyrics of Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed, the line-by-line meaning, and how to play it using simple chords and sheet music.

Penned by Isaac Watts in 1707, “Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed” is one of the earliest and most convicting English hymns about the crucifixion. Originally titled “Godly Sorrow Arising from the Sufferings of Christ,” it has been sung for over 300 years in churches worldwide.

This hymn doesn’t shy away from the personal guilt of sin—instead, it highlights the astonishment that Christ would suffer for sinners, and the appropriate response: faith, repentance, and worship.

Line-by-Line Meaning of the Hymn – Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed

“Alas! and did my Savior bleed, / And did my Sovereign die?”

The speaker expresses sorrow and amazement that Jesus, both Savior and King, would suffer and die.

“Would He devote that sacred head / For such a worm as I?”

This expresses humility. The speaker feels unworthy, calling himself a “worm,” overwhelmed that Jesus would die for someone so undeserving.

“Was it for crimes that I have done / He groaned upon the tree?”

He acknowledges personal sin and confesses that Jesus suffered on the cross because of humanity’s wrongdoing.

“Amazing pity! grace unknown! / And love beyond degree!”

He marvels at the sheer depth of God’s mercy, grace, and unconditional love.

“Well might the sun in darkness hide, / And shut its glories in,”

“When God, the mighty Maker, died / For man, the creature’s sin.”

A reference to the Gospel accounts where darkness covered the earth during Jesus’ crucifixion. Nature itself reacts to the Creator’s suffering.

“Thus might I hide my blushing face / While His dear cross appears;”

The speaker feels shame and unworthiness when reflecting on Christ’s sacrifice.

“Dissolve my heart in thankfulness, / And melt mine eyes to tears.”

Sorrow turns to deep gratitude, resulting in tears and sincere worship.

“But drops of grief can ne’er repay / The debt of love I owe;”

No amount of sorrow is enough to repay what Jesus has done.

“Here, Lord, I give myself away, / ’Tis all that I can do.”

The only proper response is full surrender—offering one’s life in return for Christ’s.

History and Background of the hymn – Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed

Isaac Watts, often called the “Father of English Hymnody,” wrote this hymn in the early 18th century. His goal was to provide heartfelt, scriptural songs that spoke to personal experience—moving away from only Psalm-based hymns of the time.

The hymn gained even more popularity when Ralph Hudson added the famous refrain “At the Cross, at the Cross…” in the 19th century, but Watts’ original verses remain powerful even without it.

Its theological focus on the cross, sin, and grace has made it a staple in Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian hymnals.

Author Information – Isaac Watts

Isaac Watts (1674–1748) was an English minister, theologian, logician, and prolific hymn writer, often referred to as the “Father of English Hymnody.” Born in Southampton, England, Watts displayed poetic talent from a young age and began writing hymns in his teenage years as an alternative to the rigid psalm-singing of his time.

He wrote over 750 hymns, many of which are still sung today, including:

• When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
• Joy to the World
• Our God, Our Help in Ages Past

“Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed” was written in 1707 as part of his first published hymnal. It reflects Watts’ deep theological understanding and his personal devotion to Christ’s atoning sacrifice. His hymns are known for combining strong doctrine with heartfelt emotion, a hallmark of his legacy.

Watts’ influence stretched across centuries, shaping Christian worship in both England and America. His hymns have been translated into dozens of languages and continue to stir souls in churches worldwide.

Related Hymns You May Like

Abide With Me Lyrics, Meaning, Chords & Story Behind the Hymn

Amazing Grace Lyrics with Meaning, Chords & History

Important Details About “Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed”

1. Originally Titled Differently

• The hymn was originally titled “Godly Sorrow Arising from the Sufferings of Christ” when first published in 1707 in Hymns and Spiritual Songs by Isaac Watts.
• This highlights the central theme of personal conviction over Christ’s crucifixion.

2. Isaac Watts’ Revolutionary Style

• Watts pioneered personal, emotional hymns as opposed to strict Psalm paraphrasing, which dominated English churches at the time.
• This hymn helped shift Christian worship toward heartfelt expression of faith.

3. Influence on Spiritual Tradition

• In the 19th century, American composer Ralph E. Hudson added the refrain “At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light…” transforming the hymn into a powerful gospel-style song.
• This version became extremely popular in the church tradition, revival meetings, and evangelistic services.

4. “Worm Theology” Controversy

• The phrase “for such a worm as I” has sparked discussion among modern worshippers.
• Some modern hymnals change it to “sinner such as I” to soften the tone, but the original language reflects deep humility and Puritan conviction.

5. Commonly Sung During Lent and Good Friday

• Its focus on the atonement and crucifixion makes it especially popular during:
  • Lenten reflections
  • Holy Week services
  • Communion gatherings
  • Good Friday worship

6. Musical Adaptations

• Set to various tunes, including “Martyrdom” and Hudson’s Gospel version.
• This flexibility helped it spread across denominations and musical cultures.

7. Scriptural Roots

• Key biblical references include:
  • Isaiah 53:5 – “He was pierced for our transgressions…”
  • Galatians 6:14 – “May I never boast except in the cross…”
  • Romans 5:8 – “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

8. Public Domain

• Like most of Isaac Watts’ hymns, this is in the public domain, making it freely usable in:
  • Churches
  • Books
  • YouTube videos
  • Social media graphics

FAQs of the Hymn – Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed