Summary

The Holy City is a popular hymn performed by choirs for special functions, concerts etc. Download and rehearse with PDF and MP3 guide; includes notes on…

Performance notes

Check tuning on the opening interval and keep inner voices present.
Observe phrasing in the final cadence; avoid rushing the rallentando.

Forces & instrumentation

All

AllEN

Licensing & usage

Suitable for parish, school, and competition performance. For livestreams or recordings, confirm local copyright requirements.

Lyrics (preview)

Verse 1

Last night I lay asleeping
There came a dream so fair
I stood in old Jerusalem
Beside the temple there
I heard the children singing
And ever as they sang
Methought the voice of Angels
From Heaven in answer rang

Chorus
"Jerusalem, Jerusalem!
Lift up you gates and sing
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna to your King!"

Verse 2

And then methought my dream was chang'd
The streets no longer rang
Hush'd were the glad Hosannas
The little children sang
The sun grew dark with mystery
The morn was cold and chill
As the shadow of a cross arose
Upon a lonely hill

Chorus
"Jerusalem, Jerusalem!
Hark! How the Angels sing
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna to your King!"

Verse 3

And once again the scene was chang'd
New earth there seem'd to be
I saw the Holy City
Beside the tideless sea
The light of god was on its streets
The gates were open wide
And all who would might enter
And no one was denied
No need of moon or stars by night
Or sun to shine by day
It was the new Jerusalem
That would not pass away

Chorus
"Jerusalem! Jerusalem
Sing for the night is o'er
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna for evermore"