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I Lay It DownBy Elton Smith and Larry HolderCCLI Number: 2558851This may be the hardest song to write that we have attempted. I wrote the music and some of the lyrics. Then Larry and I started working on the remainder of the lyrics. We got into all sorts of theological discussions, and at one point Larry even checked with his pastor to make sure we weren't out in left field. The scriptures tell us what Christ said in the garden, but not exactly what he was thinking. We have tried to build the lyrics around what he might have thought. This is in some ways a companion song for "The Ballad of the Cross" and should be sung as a solo or duet. We have provided alternative notes for the bridge in the music score in case you can't hit the high parts. Be sure to visit Larry's popular web site for more great music. - Elton, August 25, 1998
 
(Introduction)
(Verse 1) In the Garden of Gethsemane I ponder, With a sorrow unto death, to You I cry. Though my calling leads me onward To the suff'ring of the cross, I pray this cup would pass me by. (Verse 2) I'm alone for all my friends have grown too weary. In the darkness of the hour, I am undone. Yet again, I plead and pray, Dear Father, take this cup away, And spare the suff'ring of Your Son. (Chorus 1) Must I lay down my life in agony, Must I bear all the sin and shame? Must You soon turn Your face away from me, As the people mock my Name? There is nothing that You cannot do, So once again, I cry: My Father, let this cup now pass me by. My Father, let this cup now pass me by! (Bridge) Abba, Father! I cry, Must I be crucified? Must I shed my blood upon the ground? Must I be led to wear a thorny crown? Must I face the coldness of the tomb? Please, Father must I die? (Peal of Thunder) (Verse 3) I awaken those who close their eyes in slumber. Now the hour has come; betrayal drawing near. Soon the soldiers will descend, And all the suff'ring will begin, And my disciples flee in fear. (Verse 4) For this moment I was born; I cannot falter. As the Lamb I come to give my life for all. Since before the world began, My death was in our master plan, And I must answer to the call: (Chorus 2) If the shadow of death must pass this way, As the wages of sin are borne, Though the wrath and judgement I must bear Leave me battered, bruised, and torn, If the bearing of the cross must come Before I wear the crown, I yield my life to You; I lay it down. I yield my life to You; I lay it down! (Short Orchestra solo) (Ending) Though I dread the torture, death and grave, Though I pray my life somehow be saved, If the bearing of the cross must come Before I wear the crown, I yield my life to You; I lay it down. I yield my life to You; I lay it down! Copyright © 1998 Elton Smith and Larry Holder 
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View all comments for this song
Bessie
2011-02-11
Jocelyn (jocelyn_ompad0411_AT_yahoo_DOT_com)
2011-02-02
Margie N.
2010-07-03
2009-04-04
Sandy
2009-03-02
2008-03-27
alli
2008-03-19
Music: totally unsuited for the moment!
Good Lord, Jesus is literally sweating drops of blood. I hardly thing a party-calypso beat captures the spirit of the occasion.
Might I suggest something more akin to what Michael Card achieves so beautifully in his song "In The Garden". Might I also suggest keeping these beautiful words but setting them to a melody that is a tad more solemn and (dare I say it) mournful?
C. O'Connor
2008-03-17
Yvette Franklin (yvette_AT_orixpakistan_DOT_com)
2008-02-20
The singing was not shabby either.
Fran (p_anner_AT_yahoo_DOT_com)
2008-02-16
2007-12-23