Complete public-domain lyrics This text comes from Mediaeval Hymns and Sequences, edited by John Mason Neale, a historical songbook transcribed on Wikisource and reproduced from the pinned revision linked below.
Verse 1 Alleluia, song of sweetness,
Voice of joy, eternal lay:
Alleluia is the Anthem
Of the choirs in Heavenly day,
Which the Angels sing, abiding
In the House of God alway.
Verse 2 Alleluia thou resoundest,
Salem, Mother ever blest;
Alleluias without ending
Fit yon place of gladsome rest;
Exiles we, by Babel's waters
Sit in bondage and distress'd.
Verse 3 Alleluia we deserve not
Here to chant for evermore;
Alleluia our transgressions
Make us for awhile give o'er;
For the holy time is coming
Bidding us our sins deplore.
Verse 4 Trinity of endless glory,
Hear Thy people as they cry!
Grant us all to keep Thy Easter
In our Home beyond the sky:
There to Thee our Alleluia
Singing everlastingly. Amen.
Credits Written by Traditional
Traditional words. Historical text published in Mediaeval Hymns and Sequences (1867); public domain. No claim to a modern recording or arrangement. Source & text edition Mediaeval Hymns and Sequences (1867), edited by John Mason Neale, “Alleluia, dulce carmen”
The 1867 published edition is in the public domain in the United States (pre-1931 publication). Entries whose credited author or translator died more than 70 years ago are also in the public domain in life-plus-70 jurisdictions; other entries are held.
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Retrieved 2026-10-25. Line spacing and section labels are adapted for reading. The displayed text follows the linked edition. Editorial notes and abstract artwork are by 52lyrics. 