From the recording REFUGE
The well-known poem The Lamb by William Blake was published in 1789 as part of the ‘Songs of Innocence’, a collection of illustrated poems about the innocence which comes with childhood.
Many Salvationists will know the arrangement by Michael Kenyon, indeed Stuart and I used to sing this in the Junior Singing Company. It was published in 1964 and I’m indebted to Stephen Bulla who has provided a wonderful fresh arrangement, adding in a flute solo so expertly played by Claire Lawrence.
When we did the first run through, Stuart rather bravely suggested we add an extra verse. He contacted one the Salvation Army’s prolific poets, Peter Cooke, but received this reply:“Writing a further verse to "The Lamb I wouldn’t, I couldn’t even consider it for a micro-second. It is complete in itself, and another verse would be superfluous”.
However, later that same day Stuart received a further email from Peter: “How about this? At 11.pm, while I was writing up my diary, the muse stirred”.
Lyrics
Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Gave thee life, and bid thee feed,
By the stream and o'er the mead;
Gave thee clothing of delight,
Softest clothing woolly bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice!
Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Little Lamb, who loves me?
Dost thou know who loves me?
Makes my coat as white as yours,
Bears the sin my soul abhors;
From the world’s foundation slain,
Makes me now his child again,
Breathes his life into my soul,
All to make me fully whole.
Little Lamb, who loves me?
Dost thou know who loves me?
Little Lamb, I'll tell thee,
Little Lamb, I'll tell thee:
He is called by thy name,
For he calls Himself a Lamb.
He is meek, and he is mil;
He became a little child,
I a child, and thou a lamb,
We are called by His name.
Little Lamb God bless thee.
Little Lamb God bless thee.