A text written in the sixties by James Quinn SJ to a traditional Welsh tune, “Ar Hyd Y Nos” that I realised I had associated with the song “All Through the Night” after listening to the snippet at AOV. The lyrics vary on the net varied somewhat so I stuck with the version in AOV. A nice version on organ can be heard here and a solo voice + church acoustics version here. Just for fun you can hear the tune with Welsh lyrics here.
A free arrangement for guitar is available here at Score Exchange arranged by Jim Nailon.
Verse 1
Day is done, but love unfailing
Dwells ever here;
Shadows fall, but hope, prevailing,
Calms every fear.
Loving Father, none forsaking,
Take our hearts, of Love’s own making,
Watch our sleeping, guard our waking,
Be always near.Verse 2
Dark descends, but light unending
Shines through our night;
You are with us, ever lending
New strength to sight:
One in love, your truth confessing,
One in hope of heaven’s blessing,
May we see, in love’s possessing,
Love’s endless light!Verse 3
Eyes will close, but you unsleeping
Watch by our side;
Death may come, in love’s safekeeping
Still we abide
God of love, all evil quelling,
Sin forgiving, fear dispelling,
Stay with us, our hearts indwelling,
This eventide.
Text © James Quinn SJ 1969.