Song Clearance Sheet
4 sources citedRock of Ages
Hymn1770sPictured: “Rock of Ages” (public domain) · source
UnconfirmedBPM
B♭ majKey
The verdict
Public Domain
In the public domain — but check the Rights Status below; a specific host's copy can carry its own caveat.
Used by independents?
Yes — it’s in the public domain — free for any independent artist to use, with no clearance needed.
Words
By Rev. Augustus Toplady; first stanza published in The Gospel Magazine, October 1775; full hymn March 1776
The tune
The 'Toplady' tune (used on the 1904 recording) was composed by Thomas Hastings in 1830 — over 50 years after Toplady's death
The origin story is a legend
The tale of Toplady writing it while sheltering in a rock cleft only began circulating in 1898 — 120+ years later — and most hymnologists doubt it. A legend, not verified history
Rights Status
Licenses explained →Public domain is not one blanket badge — each source can carry its own caveat
The compositionPublic domain
The early recordingPublic domain
Cultural Impact
Documented covers, adaptations, and cultural echoes — each with a real, dated source
Called the most-used English hymn of its era
Hymnologist Louis Benson wrote in 1923 that it was then 'in more church hymnals than is any other English hymn.'
Challies · read it →
Lent its name to modern rock culture
A 2006 Broadway jukebox musical about 1980s rock, and its 2012 film adaptation, both took the title 'Rock of Ages' — borrowing the name, not the music.
Challies · read it →
Still actively sung
Remains in active hymnal repertoire across denominations; a 1985 setting by James Ward is now the primary tune in some Presbyterian congregations.
Hymns4Him · read it →
Can You Use It for Free?
How to check PD →Is it public domain?Yes — free to use without clearance
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Page history · 2 updates
Jul 2026BPM/Key fast-follow: key set to B♭ major — the predominant hymnal key for the 'Toplady' tune per Hymnary (some hymnals use A♭); tempo interpretation-dependent (3/2 and 3/4 versions exist), so BPM marked Unconfirmed
Jul 2026Page created