“Be Thou My Vision” is one of the most beloved and enduring Irish hymns, with roots dating back to ancient Celtic Christianity. The text originated as an Old Irish poem called “Rop tú mo Baile” (Be Thou my Vision), attributed to the 6th-century Irish Christian poet Dallán Forgaill, though some scholars debate this attribution. For centuries, it existed as a traditional Irish monastic prayer. The poem was translated from Old Irish to English by Mary Elizabeth Byrne in 1905, and later versified by Eleanor Hull in 1912, creating the hymn text that is widely known today. The melody, known as “Slane,” is a traditional Irish folk tune named after the Hill of Slane where, according to legend, St. Patrick defied a royal edict by lighting an Easter fire in 433 AD. The hymn gained widespread popularity in the English-speaking world during the early 20th century through various hymnals and has since become a staple in Christian worship across denominations, beloved for its poetic expression of spiritual devotion and its distinctive Celtic musical character.
Lyrics
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Be all else but naught to me, save that Thou art.
Be Thou my best thought in the day and the night;
Both waking and sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my wisdom, be Thou my true Word;
Be Thou ever with me, and I with Thee, Lord.
Be Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son;
Be Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight;
Be Thou my whole armour, be Thou my true might;
Be Thou my soul’s shelter, be Thou my strong tower;
O raise Thou me heavenward, great Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise;
Be Thou my inheritance now and always.
Be Thou and Thou only the first in my heart;
O Sovereign of Heaven, my treasure Thou art.
High King of Heaven, Thou Heaven’s bright Sun,
O grant me its joys after victory is won!
Great Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be Thou my vision, O Ruler of all.
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