Song of the Day - 7th November

Today's Song of the Day is another on the theme of Retirement. It is a setting of a hymn "Far from the world, O Lord, I flee" by William Cowper (1731-1800), who is perhaps best known for another hymn: "Oh! For a Closer Walk with God".

However, most people will be more familiar with the quote "God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform" - which was also penned by Cowper, in his hymn "Light Shining out of Darkness".

A celebrated poet of his era, Cowper transformed 18th-century nature poetry by capturing the essence of everyday life and the serene beauty of the English countryside. He truly paved the way for Romantic poetry. Samuel Taylor Coleridge deemed him "the best modern poet," while William Wordsworth held a particular admiration for his evocative poem "Yardley-Oak."

Despite his remarkable contributions, Cowper's life was shadowed by heartbreak. He fell deeply in love with his cousin Theodora, only to be barred from marrying her by her father. Stricken by despair, he sought to escape his pain through three suicide attempts and was eventually institutionalized for his struggles with sanity.

In essence, this hymn reflects a gentle yearning for the peace and tranquillity that a devoted soul seeks in a quiet retirement from the world.

Get the music for this song for free - find out how here.

Retirement

By William Cowper

Far from the world, O Lord, I flee,

From strife and tumult far;

From scenes where Satan wages still

His most successful war.

The calm retreat, the silent shade,

With prayer and praise agree;

And seem by thy sweet bounty made

For those who follow thee.

There, if thy Spirit touch the soul,

And grace her mean abode,

Oh, with what peace, and joy, and love,

She communes with her God!

There like the nightingale she pours

Her solitary lays;

Nor asks a witness of her song,

Nor thirsts for human praise.

Author and Guardian of my life,

Sweet source of light divine,

And (all harmonious names in one)

My Saviour, thou art mine!

What thanks I owe thee, and what love,

A boundless, endless store,

Shall echo through the realms above

When time shall be no more.