Camille Nelson is a fingerstyle guitar player and violinist from Utah. Her most recent album, "Lead Me Home" features a beautiful version of the Irish traditional hymn, "Be Thou My Vision."
Since today is Good Friday, I thought it would be the perfect day to share Camille's magnificent video of this old Irish hymn, which was shot in Ireland.
Table of Contents
Traditional Irish Hymn
If like me, you went to school in Ireland many years ago, then you probably learned the English version of this beautiful hymn.
"Be Thou My Vision" is a traditional Irish hymn, and I still remember Sister Catherine my second class teacher, leading us in song. I had to mouth the words when the priest was visiting, but my poor singing voice is a story for another day.
The old Gaelic version of this hymn, as featured on this video with the magnificent voice of Alex Sharpe, is attributed to a sixth-century Irish poet called Saint Dallan.
The English version I learned in school was first published in 1912 and translated by Eleanor Hull. The lyrics were set to an old Irish folk tune called "Slane" in 1919.
English Lyrics To "Be Thou My Vision:"
Here are the beautiful lyrics in English, just perfect for Easter time reading ....
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tow’r:
Raise Thou me heav’nward, O Pow’r of my pow’r.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Camille's video was shot in Howth, in north Dublin. I featured the very cove where Camille is playing her guitar in another blog post called, Memories of Secret Steps, Hidden Coves, and Pirate Queens.
The beautiful aerial shots of Howth in this video took my breath away, and believe it or not Camille and her crew made this video in a few hours during a stopover between flights at Dublin Airport.
They rushed out of the airport, and lo and behold, the Irish weather cooperated. This beautiful video was created in the wee hours of one bright, sunny morning in Dublin. Congratulations to Camille and her team for capturing the spiritual essense of Howth and Ireland.
And thank you to Camille and Alex for sharing their God-given talents with us.
Here are some links if you would like to connect with Camille and learn more about her music ....
Camille on Instagram
Wishing everyone a very happy and peaceful Easter.
If you enjoyed this post here are some others you might like to check out.
A Dublin Nativity Scene - Who Is Looking Over Holy Mary's Shoulder?
The Rocky Road to Dublin: A Short Guide
More Ramblings Around Ireland From Anne Driscoll
Celtic Christening Gowns As Family Heirlooms
Introducing Celtic Valley Ceramics Plus A Giveaway
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.

Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
If you enjoyed this post here are some other stories and tributes you might enjoy.
Irish Music
- Unique Instruments in Irish Music
- The Rocky Road to Dublin: A Short Guide
- It's a Long Way to Tipperary - The History of This Famous Song
- The History and Origins of Traditional Irish Music
Land and Culture
- What is a Celtic Druid?
- Interesting Facts About Ireland You May Not Know
- Irish National Parks You Don't Want To Miss
- 7 Amazing Castles in Ireland
irishnannie
How splendidly beautiful...
Thank you, Mairead, Camille, Alex and Crew, and God bless you!
Happy and Blessed Easter to you, too!
Irish American Mom
Hi Irishnannie - I love this video. The scenery and the music are sublime.
Thanks for checking it out.
Best wishes and have a very happy and peaceful Easter.
Mairéad