Words attributed to Dallan Forgaill
Irish Hymn – 8th Century
[Key: Db]

 

Verse 1
Be Thou my vision,
O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me,
Save that Thou art!
Thou my best thought,
By day or by night,
Waking or sleeping,
Thy presence my light.

 

Verse 2
Be Thou my wisdom,
And Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and
Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father,
I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling,
And I with Thee one.

 

Verse 3
Be Thou my battle shield,
Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my dignity,
Thou my delight;
Thou my soul’s shelter,
Thou my high tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward,
O power of my power.

 

Verse 4
Riches I heed not,
Nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance,
Now and always:
Thou and Thou only,
First in my heart,
High King of Heaven,
My treasure Thou art.

 

Verse 5
High King of Heaven,
My victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys,
O bright Heaven’s sun!
Heart of my own heart,
Whatever befall,
Still be my vision,
O ruler of all.