Nancy Wertsch Music

Note:
Rock of Ages arranged for SATB (div.) a cappella choir. The familiar hymn tune recalls early American harmony, each verse set in a different key with varied harmonization and texture, creatively reflecting the text.

Text:
Rock of Ages, cleft for me, 
Let me hide myself in Thee; 
Let the water and the blood, 
From Thy riven side which flowed, 
Be of sin the double cure, 
Cleanse me from its guilt and power. 

Not the labors of my hands 
Can fulfill Thy law's demands; 
Could my zeal no respite know, 
Could my tears forever flow, 
All for sin could not atone; 
Thou must save, and Thou alone. 

Nothing in my hand I bring, 
Simply to Thy cross I cling; 
Naked, come to Thee for dress, 
Helpless, look to Thee for grace; 
Foul, I to the fountain fly, 
Wash me, Savior, or I die! 

While I draw this fleeting breath, 
When mine eyes shall close in death, 
When I soar to worlds unknown, 
See Thee on Thy judgement throne, 
Rock of Ages, cleft for me, 
Let me hide myself in Thee. 

Augustus Montague Toplady (1740-1778)