The following words were written by the composer, Bach
The cantata was originally played for a birthday celebration
Musicians from the Courts of Weimar had joined together
with Bach in the first performance. Though written in the early
1700’s, it is often used in weddings and other celebrations
“Sheep may safely graze and pasture
In a watchful Shepherd’s sight
Those who rule with wisdom guiding
Bring to hearts a peace abiding
Blessing a land with joy made bright.”
His lambs there is ever a Watchful Eye”
A lost lamb in an arid land
How it had wandered far from
The flock
Timid and shy, unable
Its way from danger back
The ravine between
Deep and confining
Its cry bleating then slowly fainting
The sheep in safety still abiding
Following their shepherd
Wherever he leads them
Upon a midnight’s sleep
Awakening, counting his sheep
Venturing into the night
For one was missing
Oh, children upon earth
Like wandering lambs
Searching for a Shepherd
In a land of danger, suffering the
Hand that harms them
His rod and staff
Securely leads them
Their bruises and hurts, their minds
And hearts with oils he soothes them
With righteousness and truth
Smoothing their paths
Spreading a table before them
Their cup overflows
In the valley of death they do not fear
For in the house of their
Lord there is no despair
A room to hold them in that great
Mansion He has prepared
Dwelling forever!
