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Play “The Son of God goes forth to war”

Free same-meter accompaniment for The Son of God goes forth to war (Reginald Heber): organ, piano or guitar playing the tune KINGSFOLD (English) in four-part harmony, 7 verses, with the words on screen. Choose the key and speed, add an introduction, project the words on a TV, or practice your own choir part. Made for churches and home groups without a musician.

Sung here to KINGSFOLD (English), a Common Meter Double (8.6.8.6 D) tune — not necessarily the tune usually paired with this text. Any tune in the same meter fits the words.

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  1. 1The Son of God goes forth to war,
  2. A kingly crown to gain;
  3. His blood-red banner streams afar;
  4. Who follows in His train?
  5. The Son of God, goes forth to war.
  6. Who best can drink his cup of woe,
  7. Triumphant over pain;
  8. Who patient bears his cross below,
  9. He follows in His train.
  10. 2The martyr first, whose eagle eye
  11. Could pierce beyond the grave;
  12. Who saw his Master in the sky,
  13. And called on Him to save.
  14. 3Like Him, with pardon on His tongue,
  15. In midst of mortal pain,
  16. He pray'd for them that did the wrong:
  17. Who follows in His train?
  18. 4A glorious band, the chosen few,
  19. On whom the Spirit came:
  20. Twelve valiant saints, their hope they knew,
  21. And mocked the cross and flame.
  22. 5They met the tyrant's brandished steel,
  23. The lion's gory man;
  24. They bowed their necks the death to feel:
  25. Who follows in their train?
  26. 6A noble army: men and boys,
  27. The matron and the maid;
  28. Around the Saviour's throne rejoice,
  29. In robes of light arrayed.
  30. 7They climbed the steep ascent of heav'n
  31. Through peril, toil, and pain:
  32. O God, to us may grace be given
  33. To follow in their train.

About this music

KINGSFOLD — English. Text: Anthony Robertson, 2010. Music: 'Kingsfold' traditional English. Setting: Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906.. The score is from the Open Hymnal Project, copied from The English Hymnal, 1906, Hymn 574.; music and setting are in the public domain. The words above are from the hymnal cited on the The Son of God goes forth to war page.

Played in your browser with instrument sounds from the FluidR3 soundfont by Frank Wen (MIT license). No recordings are used.

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