Isaac Watts wrote this text in 1707 for his Hymns and Spiritual Songs. This new setting originated from a desire to explore the emotional connection to the text in a manner that highlighted the need for and the work of redemption. We’ve used this as a regular communion hymn as well as for our Good Friday song service.
 
Text: 
 
Alas! and did my Savior bleed,
and did my Sovereign die!
Would he devote that sacred head
for such a worm as I? 
Was it for crimes that I have done,
he groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! Grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!
 
Well might the sun in darkness hide,
and shut its glories in,
when God, the mighty maker, died
for his own creature's sin.
Thus might I hide my blushing face
while his dear cross appears;
dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
and melt mine eyes to tears.
 
But drops of tears can ne'er repay
the debt of love I owe.
Here, Lord, I give myself away;
'tis all that I can do.