Story Behind the Song
Anyone who has attended the "Bridegroom Matins" during Orthodox Christian Holy Week should be familiar with this parable of the Lord. Through Scripture and song the Church reminds us to prepare for the coming of our Lord through a life of holiness and attentive prayer.
Lyrics
Watchers, let your lights be burning,
Soon the Bridegroom will be here;
List! the footsteps now returning,
Rise to greet Him, He is near;
See your lamps are trimmed and burning,
For the Lord at His returning.
Wake, awake, no time for sleeping,
Though the midnight hour be dark;
Faithfully your vigil keeping,
You shall greet Him;--watchers, hark!
Footsteps tell your Lord's returning,
See your lamps are trimmed and burning.
Ah, the shame when He appeareth,--
Sleeping watchers, flickering light;
Ah, the sorrow when He neareth,
In the middle of the night;--
Drowsy, in the dark reclining,
While a myriad lamps are shining.
Ah, my soul, bestir, awake thee,
Day is passing, soon 'tis night;
If the midnight hour o'ertake thee,
Will thy lamp send forth its light?
Wake, awake, thy Lord returning,
See thy lamp is trimmed, and burning.
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