What are the lyrics to Handel’s ‘Zadok The Priest’?

31 May 2024, 11:45

'Zadok the Priest' - Handel - the Royal Scottish National Orchestra | Classic FM

By Classic FM

@ClassicFM

Do you know the lyrics for Handel’s choral classic? Or do you just sing the title and give up? If so, here’s the whole thing…

‘Zadok The Priest!’. It’s one of the most triumphant moments in classical music – the joyous ushering in of a new monarch, originally composed in 1727 by George Frideric Handel for the coronation of King George II, and performed at every coronation since.

It was heard at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, and rang through Westminster Abbey once more in May 2023 for the coronation of King Charles III.

But once the choir sings the title, also known as ‘the bit that everyone knows’, what are the words?

What are the words to ‘Zadok the Priest’?

Prepare to transform your classical karaoke: the actual text is…

Zadok the Priest, and Nathan the Prophet anointed Solomon King.
And all the people rejoiced, and said:
God save the King! Long live the King!
May the King live for ever,
Amen, Alleluia.

Phew! Now you know what to sing next time you’re in the mood to belt out some Handel.

Read more: Soprano sings effortless and jaw-dropping Handel aria from church pulpit

The text itself comes from the Bible, specifically 1 Kings 1:38-48, a passage initially describing the anointing of King Solomon.

Since Handel composed the piece, it’s been a perennial favourite (it’s actually the first piece we ever broadcast on Classic FM), and it’s perhaps best known nowadays as the inspiration for the UEFA Champions League Anthem.

Speaking of the Champions League song, don’t even bother trying to sing the original biblical words to that tune. We couldn’t possibly comment, but there might be an argument to suggest that slightly less thought went into that particular text:

They are the best teams
They are the best teams
The main event

The master
The best
The great teams
The champions

A big meeting
A great sporting event
The main event

The master
The best
The great teams
The champions

They are the best
They are the best
These are the champions

The master
The best
The champions

Discover more of Handel’s greatest music here >