Hymn Desk
Hymn Texts /

Were You There

Were you there when they crucified my Lord

A meditation on the crucifixion in the form of a direct question addressed to the worshipper. The five stanzas ask whether we were there at the crucifixion, nailing, spear-piercing, laying in the tomb, and resurrection. The repeated refrain O! Sometimes it causes me to tremble expresses the awe and grief appropriate to the cross.

History & Background

An African American spiritual of uncertain origin, first published by William Barton in Old Plantation Hymns (1899). It was included in the Episcopal Hymnal of 1916 and has since become a standard Good Friday hymn across denominations.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 353
  • Gather 4th Edition — 554
  • Lutheran Book of Worship — 92
  • Lutheran Service Book — 450

Bulletin Note

Were You There — African American spiritual, c.1865

Preaching Connection

Good Friday — the worshipper's personal identification with the passion narrative.

Themes

Good Friday Crucifixion Spiritual Passion

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