Cantique de Jean Racine
Chorale Laetare Lyrics
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Jour éternel de la terre et des cieux ;
De la paisible nuit nous rompons le silence,
Divin Sauveur, jette sur nous les yeux ! (bis)
Répands sur nous le feu de ta grâce puissante,
Que tout l'enfer fuie au son de ta voix ;
Dissipe le sommeil d'une âme languissante,
Ô Christ, sois favorable à ce peuple fidèle
Pour te bénir maintenant rassemblé.
Reçois les chants qu'il offre à ta gloire immortelle,
Et de tes dons qu'il retourne comblé ! (ter)
The lyrics of Cantique de Jean Racine by Chorale Laetare invoke a strong sense of reverence and pleading to the divine. The opening lines speak of the "Word equal to the Most High," referring to Jesus Christ as the ultimate hope and eternal light of both the earth and the heavens. The imagery of breaking the silence of a peaceful night suggests a longing for the presence of the divine Savior to shine upon humanity. The repetition of "Divine Savior, cast your eyes upon us" emphasizes the desperate plea for divine intervention and guidance.
As the hymn progresses, the focus shifts to a plea for the powerful grace of Christ to be poured out upon the singers. The imagery of hell fleeing at the sound of his voice underscores the belief in the ultimate power of Christ to overcome all obstacles and darkness. The mention of dispelling the sleep of a languishing soul alludes to awakening from spiritual slumber and returning to obedience to divine laws. The repetition of the plea for Christ to cast his gaze upon them reinforces the reliance on his mercy and salvation.
The third stanza of the hymn shifts to a direct address to Christ, beseeching him to be favorable to the gathered faithful people. The call for blessings to be received by the assembled singers highlights their desire to praise and glorify Christ in their worship. The mention of offering songs in his honor and being filled with his gifts symbolizes a deep gratitude for the grace and blessings bestowed upon them. The repetition of the plea for blessings and a return filled with his gifts emphasizes the earnest desire for a deep connection with Christ and his divine presence.
In conclusion, the lyrics of Cantique de Jean Racine depict a profound sense of reverence, supplication, and gratitude towards Christ. The hymn conveys a deep longing for the divine to intervene in human lives, bring grace and guidance, and bestow blessings upon the faithful. The repetitive nature of the pleas and invocations underscores the sincerity and intensity of the singers' devotion and faith. Overall, the hymn serves as a moving expression of faith, hope, and adoration towards the transcendent and eternal presence of Christ in the lives of believers.
Line by Line Meaning
Verbe égal au Très-Haut, notre unique espérance,
You are the word equal to the Most High, our only hope,
Jour éternel de la terre et des cieux ;
Eternal light of the earth and the heavens;
De la paisible nuit nous rompons le silence,
From the peaceful night we break the silence,
Divin Sauveur, jette sur nous les yeux ! (bis)
Divine Savior, cast your gaze upon us! (repeat)
Répands sur nous le feu de ta grâce puissante,
Pour out on us the fire of your mighty grace,
Que tout l'enfer fuie au son de ta voix ;
May all hell flee at the sound of your voice;
Dissipe le sommeil d'une âme languissante,
Dispel the sleep of a languishing soul,
Qui la conduit à l'oubli de tes lois ! (bis)
Which leads to forgetting your laws! (repeat)
Ô Christ, sois favorable à ce peuple fidèle
O Christ, be favorable to this faithful people
Pour te bénir maintenant rassemblé.
Gathered now to bless you.
Reçois les chants qu'il offre à ta gloire immortelle,
Receive the songs it offers to your immortal glory,
Et de tes dons qu'il retourne comblé ! (ter)
And from your gifts may it return filled! (repeat)
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