Philip Paul Bliss wrote Hallelujah, What a Savior (also known as Man of Sorrows), words and music, in 1875. Possibly it was first published in Gospel Hymns, No. 2 (No. 7, page 9) in 1876. It has many scriptural allusions, beginning with “man of sorrows” from Isaiah 53:3. It emphasizes Jesus Christ’s death, resurrection, exaltation, and second coming – and our praise to him for all these. The hymn is metered 7.7.7.8.
Bliss was born in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, July 8,1838, a son of Isaac Bliss and Lydia Doolittle. He was converted at age twelve, became a music teacher and songwriter, and later a singing evangelist. He was only 38 years old when he died in a railway disaster at Ashtabula, Ohio, on December 30, 1876. Many of his songs are well known to English speaking Christians, including Almost Persuaded, Brightly Beams our Father’s Mercy, Free From the Law, It is Well with My Soul (music only), I Will Sing of My Redeemer (words only), Let the Lower Lights Be Burning, and Wonderful Words of Life.
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim:
Hallelujah! what a Savior!
2. Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned he stood,
Sealed my pardon with his blood:
Hallelujah! what a Savior!
3. Guilty, vile, and helpless, we;
Spotless Lamb of God was he,
Full atonement, can it be?
Hallelujah! what a Savior!
4. Lifted up was he, to die;
“It is finished,” was his cry;
Now in heaven exalted high:
Hallelujah! what a Savior!
5. When he comes, our glorious King,
All his ransomed home to bring,
Then anew this song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! what a Savior!
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