5th Day of Easter - And Can It Be

This wonderful text needs to be sung; the problem is finding a tune that people can actually sing.

Here is the traditional tune SAGINA with the harmony parts familiar from many hymnals. This choir gets extra credit for including verse 2.  I love the imagery of curious angels in that verse! And Can It Be (traditional)

Here is a more singable tune, and the repeated “Amazing Love, how can it be, that Thou, my God, should die for me?” drives home the theme of the song. I’ve heard better arrangements of this version, but I appreciate this one being posted online: And Can It Be (Indelible Grace)

Here is another setting that works well. I’m glad I stumbled across this one.
And Can It Be-  Lou Fellingham and Phatfish

The words were written in 1739 by Charles Wesley and may be most effective simply read, not sung.  None of the tunes I’ve heard quite capture the power of the questions and exclamations Wesley poses.

And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood!
Died he for me? Who caused his pain! For me? Who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

‘Tis mystery all: th’Immortal dies! Who can explore his strange design? 
In vain the firstborn seraph tries to sound the depth of love divine.
‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; let angel minds inquire no more.

He left his Father’s throne above (so free, so infinite his grace!),
Emptied himself of all but love, and bled for Adam’s helpless race. 
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free, for O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay, fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee.

No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in him, is mine; 
Alive in him, my living Head, and clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own.