Verse 1

What means this eager, anxious throng, Which moves with busy haste along, These wondrous gatherings day by day? What means this strange commotion pray? In accents hush'd the throng reply: Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. In accents hush'd the throng reply: Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.

Verse 2

Who is this Jesus, why should He The city move so mightily? A passing stranger, has He skill To move the multitude at will? Again the stirring notes reply: Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. Again the stirring notes reply: Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.

Verse 3

Jesus! 'tis He who once below Man's pathway trod, 'mid pain and woe; And burdened ones, where'er He came, Bro't out their sick, and deaf, and lame, The blind rejoiced to hear the cry: Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. The blind rejoiced to hear the cry: Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.

Verse 4

Again He comes! from place to place His holy footprints we can trace. He pauseth at our threshold--nay, He enters--condescends to stay. Shall we not gladly raise the cry-- Jesus of Nazareth passeth by? Shall we not gladly raise the cry-- Jesus of Nazareth passeth by?