Lyrics
Verse 1
Salvation! O the joyful sound!
What pleasure to our ears!
A sovereign balm for every wound,
A cordial for our fears.
Chorus
Glory, honour, praise, and power,
Be unto the Lamb for ever:
Jesus Christ is our Redeemer:
Hallelujah, Praise the Lord.
Verse 2
Salvation! let the echo fly
The spacious earth around;
While all the armies of the sky
Conspire to raise the sound!
Verse 3
Salvation! O thou bleeding Lamb,
To thee the praise belongs;
Salvation shall inspire our hearts,
And dwell upon our tongues.
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Salvation! O the Joyful Sound! is a hymn that repeats a single word, salvation, as a shout of joy. Its short lines are built for congregational singing.
The first verse names salvation as "a sovereign balm for every wound" and "a cordial for our fears," a medicine for both pain and anxiety. The chorus then lifts the focus to Christ with "Glory, honour, praise, and power, / Be unto the Lamb for ever," ending with the declaration "Jesus Christ is our Redeemer."
The second verse widens the sound to the whole earth and the "armies of the sky," picturing heaven and earth joined in one song. The last verse turns personal, addressing the "bleeding Lamb" and praying that salvation will fill the heart and stay on the tongue.
The hymn works for opening a service, a communion setting or any gathering that wants to give thanks for forgiveness in plain, strong words.
Related Scripture
- Revelation 5:12 Worthy is the Lamb to receive power and honour and glory, echoed in the chorus.
- Psalm 98:4 A call to make a joyful noise to the Lord.
- Isaiah 61:1 The Lord heals the brokenhearted, the "balm for every wound".
- Ephesians 1:7 Redemption through His blood, as in "Jesus Christ is our Redeemer".