This edition was prepared by Raymond Nagem — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
How have I stray'd, Z 188
Staff Notation • Sacred, Sacred songs
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2 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
Solo high · Raymond Nagem
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How have I stray'd, Z 188 by Henry Purcell — Lyrics
How have I stray’d! My God, where have I been,
Since first I wander’d in the Maze of Sin!
Lord, I have been I know not where,
So intricate Youth’s Follies are;
And Age hath its Lab’rinths too,
Yet neither hath a wise returning Clue!
Thy Look, thy Call, to me,
Shall my far better Ariadne be.
O most sweet dear Jesu!
Hark, hark, I hear my Shepherd call away,
And in a doleful accent say,
“Why does my Lamb thus stray?”
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About How have I stray'd, Z 188
Henry Purcell, a towering figure of English Baroque music, composed How have I stray'd, Z 188 for solo high voice. This sacred song is set to an English text that expresses a profound plea for divine guidance. The lyrics articulate a deep sense of spiritual lostness, describing the 'Maze of Sin' and the 'Lab’rinths' of both youth and age. The singer implores Jesus and the 'Shepherd' (God) to provide the 'wise returning Clue' and lead them home, highlighting the overwhelming difficulty of finding the path back to righteousness. The music aims to capture the penitent soul's journey and fervent hope for salvation.
