A New Metrical Translation of “Maria Walks Amid the Thorn”

In a previous post I offered a literal translation of all seven stanzas of the German Advent/Christmas Carol “Maria Walked Amid the Thorn” (see Thoughts on “Maria Walks Amid the Thorn”). With this post I offer a new metrical translation of the carol. Interestingly, singing the full version makes the carol a song that can be sung at other points of the Church Year, including today, the Baptism of Our Lord. I had the privilege this morning of singing as a duet with my wife Marie.

Maria walked through woods of thorns,
Kyrie eleison!
Maria walked through woods of thorns,
which seven years no leaves had borne.
Jesus and Maria.

What lay there under Mary’s heart?
Kyrie eleison!
A Child of Peace who would be slain
there under Mary’s heart was lain.
Jesus and Maria.

Then roses bloomed upon the thorns!
Kyrie eleison!
When Jesus, Mary’s boy was born
then roses bloomed upon the thorns.
Jesus and Maria.

What shall we call this baby boy?
Kyrie eleison!
His name is Christ, our Savior Lord;
begotten Jesus, love outpoured.
Jesus and Maria.

And who shall baptize Christ, our Lord?
Kyrie eleison!
Saint John shall baptize Christ, our Lord,
God’s only Son, the Word adored.
Jesus and Maria.

What gift did God the Father give?
Kyrie eleison!
All might and pow’r in earth and heav’n
’twas gift of God to Jesus giv’n.
Jesus and Maria.

Who has alone the world redeemed?
Kyrie eleison!
God Father, Spirit and His Son
who came to earth; God Three in One.
Jesus and Maria.
Copyright © 2015 Martin P. Dicke. All rights reserved.