I Cannot Dance, O Love

Difficulty
Moderate radio_button_checked radio_button_checked radio_button_checked radio_button_unchecked radio_button_unchecked
Voicing(s)
Category
Instrumental Only?
No
Description

SATB and organ or piano. This uplifting, jubilant (and slightly syncopated) anthem echos the joyfulness of the text. A great general anthem for anytime of year.

Poem by Jean Wiebe Janzen (after Mechthild of Magdeburg, ca. 1210 - 1282)

Audio
Lyrics

I cannot dance, O Love, unless you lead me on.
I cannot leap in gladness unless you lift me up.
From love to love we circle, beyond all knowledge grow,
For when you lead we follow, to new worlds you can show.

Love is the music 'round us, we glide as birds in air,
entwining, soul and body, your wings hold us with care.
Your Spirit is the harpist and all your children sing;
her hands the currents 'round us, your love the golden strings. 

O blessed Love, your circling unites us, God and soul.
From the beginning, your arms embrace and make us whole.
Hold us in steps of mercy from which you never part,
that we may know more fully the dances of your heart.