Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying

Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme

Text by Philipp Nicolai

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About this hymn

Historical background

Philipp Nicolai published text and tune in 1599; its watchman imagery draws directly on the parable of the ten virgins.

Theology & Scripture

The hymn joins vigilance for Christ’s return with the bridal joy of the Church and the vision of the heavenly city.

Mt 25:6 · Rev 21:2 · Mt 24:36-44 · Mk 13:33-37

Musical background

Wachet auf is presented in the documented public-domain setting named by the source score. This edition contains four-part SATB harmony in C.

Sources & rights

Verified for United States on 2026-10-12. Public domain — source score marking

Words: Phillipp Nicolai, 1599. Translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1858. Music: 'Wachet Auf' Phillip Nicolai, 1599. Setting: "Common Service Book" (ULCA), 1917. copyright: public domain.
Music source: 'Common Service Book with Hymnal', ULCA, 1917 Hymn 5.