I am often moved by the deep words of old hymns, but I tend to enjoy newer music. So today, taking a break from reviewing my sermon for tomorrow–I caught up on blog reading.
One of the blogs I read, Challies.com posted a conversation with Matthew Smith–who put to music an old German Hymn (see below).  Great lyrics and with a wonderful reminder.  I’m going to add it to my music library.
You can also listen his performance of three songs live on the Relevant podcast.
The Long Goodnight
Tim Challies
07/03/10
Earlier this week I was chatting with Matthew Smith, he of Indelible Grace fame. Matthew has just finished recording a new record (a personal album, not an Indelible Grace album) and he allowed me to listen to it. There was one song in particular that gripped me. The words come from an old German hymn of unknown authorship which was later translated by Jane Borthwick. It was printed in Hymns from the Land of Luther under the title “The Long Good-night” (originally “Ich fahr dahin mit Freuden”).
Matthew has adapted this into a beautiful song titled “Goodnight.” It is a song about the sadness of death but also the hope of resurrection and reunion. Here are the words and the embedded audio so you can listen in and read along. If you really like it, you can go here to buy it for just $0.99.
I journey forth rejoicing
From this dark vale of tears,
To heavenly joy and freedom,
From earthly bonds and fears;
Where Christ our Lord shall gather
All His redeemed again,
His kingdom to inherit.
Goodnight, goodnight till then!Why thus so sadly weeping,
Beloved ones of my heart?
The Lord is good and gracious,
Though now He bids us part.
Oft have we met in gladness.
And we shall meet again,
All sorrow left behind us.
Goodnight, goodnight till then!I go to see His glory,
Whom we have loved below:
I go, the blessed angels,
The holy saints to know.
Our lovely ones departed,
I go to find again,
And wait for you to join us.
Goodnight, goodnight till then!I hear the Saviour calling,
The joyful hour has come:
The angel guards are ready
To guide me to our home,
Where Christ our Lord shall gather
All His redeemed again,
His kingdom to inherit.
Goodnight, goodnight till then!
