Christ Has My Hart, Ay

Words Traditional Scots

For us that blessed bairn was born

For us he was baith rent and torn

For us he was crownit with thorn

Christ has my hart ay, Christ has my hart ay

For us he shed his precious blood

For us was nailet on the rood

For us in many battle stood

Christ has my hart ay, Christ has my hart ay

Next him to love his mother fair

With steadfast hart for evermair

She bore the birth, freed us from care

Christ has my hart ay, Christ has my hart ay

(Words trad / tune Alan Reid)

This psalm or carol first appears in the 'Gude and Godlie Ballates' first published in 1667. Alan came across it while reading T. C. Smith's 'A History of the Scottish People'. Its subsequent disappearance from later editions of the 'Ballates' is probably due to its sentiments which would have been undesirable to the Calvinist elements that eventually took control of the reformation of the Church of Scotland. As there was no tune available, Alan made one up. (Notes Battlefield Band, 'Stand Easy' CD)

Christian Thought

CARMINA GADELICA

Beth Boyle's Prayer Beads

The Battlefield Band

'Feuch air fear coimhead Israil

Cadal chan aom no suain.'

(The Shepherd that keeps Israel, He slumbers not nor sleeps.)

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Beannachd Dia dhuit

(blessings of God be with you)