rock of ages – a new recording, for greg

a few days after Greg Elliott died (February 2008), i reworked a new version of one of my favourite hymns to perform as an item at church: ‘rock of ages’. it was one of the hardest performances of my life (i wish i could think of a better word than ‘performed’ for a church item – ugh…), because of the lyrics. the final verse in particular is about ‘when mine eyes shall close in death’, and ‘when i soar through realms unknown, bow before the judgment throne, hide me then my refuge be…’ how apt they were for our brother in Christ who’d so recently drawn his final breath and stood before the awful judgment throne of God Almighty, yet hidden in a cleft of rock named Jesus.

since the initial recording didn’t work out too well i’ve just finished re-recording the song. it’s dedicated to Greg, our brother, soaring through realms unknown. those of us hiding in Jesus are looking forward to seeing you again, brother.

you can download the mp3 for free (you’re welcome to use it however you wish, there is no copyright), or hit the play button below.

rock of ages – arranged and performed by peter yock <– (right click here to download)

Rock of ages cleft for me
Hide me now my refuge be
Let the water and the blood
From your wounded side which flowed
Be of sin the double cure
Save from wrath and make me pure

Not the labour of my hands
Can fulfill your law’s demands
Could my zeal no respite know
Could my tears forever flow
All for sin could not atone
You must save, and You alone

Nothing in my hand I bring
Simply to the cross I cling
Naked, come to you for dress
Helpless look to you for grace
Foul, I to the fountain fly
Wash me, Saviour, or I die

While I draw this fleeting breath
When mine eyes shall close in death
When I soar through realms unknown
Bow before the judgment throne
Hide me then my refuge be
Rock of ages cleft for me