Du meine Seele, singe [English translation]

1 Break forth my soul, rejoicing

sing well, lift up your voice

he who all things are made for

For him who reigns, rejoice

My tongue and reins shall praise thee

in heaven and on earth

a joyful sound we raise thee

Our god who gave us birth

2 Glory to who's accounted

as God of Jacob's friend

His treasures can't be counted

of rich inheritance

the greatest gift of value

he gained, the greatest prize

his heart his being, all through

in spotless shape shall rise

3 'tis here the greatest powers

of might unending great

shown by earth's days and hours

that he, allknowing, shaped

on earth put all his creatures

with all their countless host

where birds fly high, frolicking

and sea's great creatures boast

4 From all the evil powers

He yet will shield his own

His Saints see evil hours

But malice have not known

Where wicked folk' are fretting

With grim to no avail

His vengeance they'll be getting

His verdict shall prevail

5 he lacketh not in wisdom

to save from pangs of doom

he can give corn and barley

in days of drought and gloom

then reddish cheeks are glowing

he gives both dew and breath

And those who pant, unknowing

he'll save from cruel death

6 sight to the blind he granted

and made their face light up

the weaklish limb that panted

he soon made to rise up

He loves the souls that faithful

toward him turn their face

and lends to all who grateful

his friendly hand in grace

7 A dwelling to the stranger

an orphan's father too

a widow's wondrous' helper

yay all that he foreknew

but he will let the haters

rage on with gall and ire

all mockers, agitators

he'll burn their house with fire

8 I am but dust and ashes

an earthen pot of clay

His radiant count'nance flashes

so great in every way

Creator of all races

of high and lowly birth

I will proclaim your graces

Your praise shall fill the earth

• Artist:Paul Gerhardt