A hymn for begining liturgical fasting

This last Sunday was the last Sunday before the season of Lent starts. The service concluded with something that was entirely new to me. The following hymn was sung to celebrate the beginning of our liturgical fast as the Alleluia banner was removed from the sanctuary.


Alleluia, song of sweetness,Voice of joy that cannot die
Alleluia is the anthem Ever dear to choirs on high
In the house of God abiding Thus they sing eternally.

Alleluia thou resoundest, True Jerusalem and free
Alleluia, joyful mother, All thy children sing with thee
But by Babylon's sad waters Mourning exiles now we are.

Alleluia cannot always Be our song while here below
Alleluia our transgressions Make us for awhile forego
For the solemn time is coming When our tears for sin must flow.

Therefore in our hymns we pray Thee Grant us blessed Trinity
At the last to keep Thine Easter in our home beyond the sky
There to Thee forever singing 'Alleluia' joyfully.

Bring in the clowns

Last weekend I got my bassoon back from the shop. I haven't had it in for repairs since I've had it (about five and a half years). As you can see, it's all nice and shiny. Aside from a few dings, it looks like new. Guess this means now I ought to actually play it.