Christ Arose (Low in the Grave He Lay)

This page includes a lyric video, history, sheet music, and other resources for the classic hymn “Christ Arose (Low in the Grave He Lay).” Enjoy!

Christ Arose (Low in the Grave He Lay) Hymn

Enjoy this You Tube video, performed by Hymn Charts, with lyrics for “Christ Arose (Low in the Grave He Lay)!”

History of “Christ Arose (Low in the Grave He Lay)”:

Words and Music by Robert Lowry (1826-1899), Published in 1874

Robert Lowry (1826-1899)

Robert Lowry was born in Philadelphia in 1826. As a teen, he was active in teaching Sunday school, as well as serving in the choir of his church. For college, Robert attended the University at Lewisburg, PA (now Bucknell University), and he graduated with the highest honors. He began working as a pastor, as well as a professor of literature.

According to the Biography of Gospel Song and Hymn Writers:

“Dr. Lowry was a man of rare administrative ability, a most excellent preacher, a thorough Bible student, and whether in the pulpit or upon the platform, always a brilliant and interesting speaker. He was of a genial and pleasing disposition, and a high sense of humor was one of his most striking characteristics. Very few men had greater ability in painting pictures from the imagination. He could thrill an audience with his vivid descriptions, inspiring others with the same thoughts that inspired him.”

While preaching was Robert’s main work for many years, he always had a deep love of music. In time, he began dedicating more effort to music and by the end of his life, he had written dozens of popular hymns and tunes such as: “Here Is Love,” “I Need Thee Every Hour,” “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus,” “Shall We Gather at the River?”, and “We’re Marching to Zion.”

Lyrics for “Christ Arose (Low in the Grave He Lay)”:

Low in the grave He lay, Jesus my Savior,
Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!

Refrain

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
He arose a victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Vainly they watch His bed, Jesus my Savior;
Vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord!

Refrain

Death cannot keep its prey, Jesus my Savior;
He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!

Refrain