They that go down to the sea in ships
03:43 duration|Composed in 2025|Difficulty: Intermediate|First performed: June 2025
They that go down to the sea in ships was commissioned by Tristan Weymes for the Choir of St Mary Merton. The maritime text reflects the church’s historical association with Lord Nelson, who worshipped there regularly towards the end of his life.
Text
They that go down to the sea in ships: and occupy their business in great waters;
These men see the works of the Lord: and his wonders in the deep.
For at his word the stormy wind ariseth: which lifteth up the waves thereof.
They are carried up to the heaven, and down again to the deep:
Their soul melteth away because of the trouble.
They reel to and fro and stagger like a drunken man: and are at their wits’ end.
So when they they cry unto the Lord in their trouble: he delivereth them out of their distress.
For he maketh the storm to cease: so that the waves thereof are still.
Then are they glad because they are at rest: and so he bringeth them unto the haven where they would be.
Psalm 107: 23-30
