Humanities Homework Help

The hymn “Blessed Be the Tie That Binds” appears in
every act of Our Town. In
Act I, it can be interpreted to have meaning that relates to the
bonds of friendship and unity that exist in Grover’s Corners. In
Act II, it can be interpreted to have meaning that relates to the
marriage of George and Emily. In Act III, the hymn is sung at Emily’s
funeral. Read the lyrics below and provide an interpretation that
explains its meaning as a funeral hymn. Use evidence from the text to
support your answer.

Blessed
Be the Tie That Binds

Blessed
be the tie that binds

Our
hearts in Christian love;

The
fellowship of kindred minds

Is
like to that above.

Before
our Father’s throne

We
pour our ardent prayers;

Our
fears, our hopes, our aims are one

Our
comforts and our cares.

We
share each other’s woes,

Our
mutual burdens bear;

And
often for each other flows

The
sympathizing tear.

When
we asunder part,

It
gives us inward pain;

But
we shall still be joined in heart,

And
hope to meet again.

This
glorious hope revives

Our
courage by the way;

While
each in expectation lives,

And
longs to see the day.

From
sorrow, toil and pain,

And
sin, we shall be free,

And
perfect love and friendship reign

Through all eternity.