The 90th Psalm, Versified

Listen to:

The 90th Psalm, Versified (1:24)

by Robert Burns

performed by Bob Gonzalez, rhapsode

The First Six Verses Of The Ninetieth Psalm Versified

by Robert Burns

O Thou, the first, the greatest friend 

Of all the human race! 

Whose strong right hand has ever been 

Their stay and dwelling place! 

Before the mountains heav'd their heads 

Beneath Thy forming hand, 

Before this ponderous globe itself 

Arose at Thy command; 

That Pow'r which rais'd and still upholds 

This universal frame, 

From countless, unbeginning time 

Was ever still the same. 

Those mighty periods of years 

Which seem to us so vast, 

Appear no more before Thy sight 

Than yesterday that's past. 

Thou giv'st the word: Thy creature, man, 

Is to existence brought; 

Again Thou say'st, "Ye sons of men, 

Return ye into nought!" 

Thou layest them, with all their cares, 

In everlasting sleep; 

As with a flood Thou tak'st them off 

With overwhelming sweep. 

They flourish like the morning flow'r, 

In beauty's pride array'd; 

But long ere night cut down it lies 

All wither'd and decay'd.