Go to Dark Gethsemane Lyrics
Tune Name: REDHEAD 76
Composer: Richard Redhead
Meter: 7.7.7.7
Hymnbook Source: Hymns Ancient & Modern; Church Hymnary
Verse 1
Ye that feel the tempter’s power;
Your Redeemer’s conflict see,
Watch with Him one bitter hour,
Turn not from His griefs away;
Learn of Jesus Christ to pray.
Verse 2
See Him at the judgment hall,
Beaten, bound, reviled, arraigned;
O the wormwood and the gall!
O the pangs His soul sustained!
Shun not suffering, shame, or loss;
Learn of Christ to bear the cross.
Verse 3
Calvary’s mournful mountain climb;
There, adoring at His feet,
Mark that miracle of time,
God’s own sacrifice complete.
“It is finished!” hear Him cry;
Learn of Jesus Christ to die.
Verse 4
Early hasten to the tomb
Where they laid His breathless clay;
All is solitude and gloom.
Who has taken Him away?
Christ is risen! He meets our eyes;
Savior, teach us so to rise.
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Go to Dark Gethsemane |
| Author / Lyricist | James Montgomery (1771–1854) |
| Composer / Tune | Richard Redhead (1820–1901) – “Redhead 76” |
| Date Written / Published | 1825 |
| Historical Context | Written in early 19th-century England; emphasizes Christ’s suffering and the call for Christian reflection during Passiontide. |
| Theme / Message | Christ’s agony in Gethsemane; call to personal sacrifice and devotion. |
| Notable Features | Solemn, meditative hymn; vividly portrays Christ’s passion. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Often sung during Holy Week services; remains in many hymnals worldwide. |
| Source / Scholarship | A Survey of English Hymns – Kenneth W. Osbeck |
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis on This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| James Montgomery, Scottish Hymn Writer & Editor, 1771–1854 | Montgomery emphasized Christ’s suffering and the believer’s meditation on the Passion, reflecting the hymn’s themes. |
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian remarks that the hymn poignantly evokes the agony of Christ in Gethsemane and its devotional impact. |
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley’s Passion hymns explore similar emotional and spiritual reflections on Christ’s suffering. |
| John Newton, Anglican Clergyman & Hymn Writer, 1725–1807 | Newton frequently stressed meditation on Christ’s sacrifice, which this hymn exemplifies. |
| William Cowper, Poet & Hymn Writer, 1731–1800 | Cowper’s poetry emphasizes personal devotion and contemplation of Christ’s trials, echoing the hymn’s purpose. |
| Folliott S. Pierpoint, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1835–1917 | Pierpoint praised hymns that encourage self-examination through Christ’s suffering, as in this hymn. |
| Reginald Heber, Anglican Bishop & Hymn Writer, 1783–1826 | Heber’s focus on the redemptive work of Christ provides theological context for the hymn. |
See if you can play the hymn below on our keyboard (It Plays!)
Learn How to play songs like this on the piano at our online Shool of Music.
