Catholic Chant
Keeping the Faith through Music
Attende Domine


Latin English
Attende Domine, et miserere,
Quia peccavimus tibi.

Refrain:
Attende Domine, et miserere,
Quia peccavimus tibi.

1. Ad te Rex summe,
Omnium Redemptor,
Oculos nostros
Sublevamus flentes:
Exaudi, Christe,
Supplicantum preces.
Refrain

2. Dextera Patris,
Lapis angularis,
Via salutis,
Janua caelestis,
Ablue nostri
Maculas delicti.
Refrain

3. Rogamus, Deus,
Tuam majestatem:
Auribus sacris
Gemitus exaudi:
Crimina nostra
Placidus indulge.
Refrain

4. Tibi fatemur
Crimina admissa:
Contrito corde
Pandimus occulta:
Tua, Redemptor,
Pietas ignoscat.
Refrain

5. Innocens captus,
Nec repugnans ductus;
Testibus falsis
Pro impiis damnatus:
Quos redemisti,
Tu conserva, Christe.
Refrain
Hear us, O Lord, and have mercy,
Because we have sinned against Thee.

Refrain:
Hear us, O Lord, and have mercy,
Because we have sinned against Thee.

1. To Thee, highest King,
Redeemer of all,
We lift up our eyes
In weeping:
Hear, O Christ, the prayers
of your servants.
Refrain

2. Right hand of the Father,
Cornerstone,
Way of salvation,
Gate of heaven,
Wash away our
Stains of sin.
Refrain

3. We beseech Thee, God,
In Thy great majesty:
Hear our groans
With Thy holy ears:
Calmly forgive
Our crimes.
Refrain

4. To Thee we confess
Our sins admitted
With a contrite heart
We reveal the things hidden:
By Thy kindness, O Redeemer,
Overlook them.
Refrain

5. The Innocent, seized,
Not refusing to be led;
Condemned by false witnesses
On account of impious men
Those whom Thou hast redeemed,
Keep safe, O Christ.
Refrain
Season: Lent
Use: General hymn for Mass, processions, or private prayer.

Musically, Attende Domine is easy to learn and sing.  The text captures the sentiments of Lent: contrition, returning to God, recognizing his dominion, asking pardon.  Humility, an essential element in singing chant properly, is expressed well through these lyrics.