Why do you stand here idle all day?
Matthew 20:6
Words & Music: W. C. Hogan, in Song-Land Messenger No. 2, edited by Anthony J. Showalter, John S. Hendricks et al. (Dallas, Texas & Dalton, Georgia: Showalter-Lincoln & A. J. Showalter, 1898), number 122 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Hogan’s full name, or where to get a good photo of him (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Life is the time to prepare for death,
Then why not begin it today?
You’re only mortals on probate life,
Don’t idle your time away.
Refrain
Don’t do that, don’t do that,
Don’t idle your time away;
Don’t do that, O don’t do that,
Don’t idle your time away.
Hear the glad shouts of the newborn souls,
In praising their Savior today,
While you stand idly the whole day long,
Still wasting your time away?
Refrain
Sinners, come now and accept the call,
While Jesus is pleading today;
He will receive you into His fold;
Don’t idle your time away.
Refrain
Christ the Redeemer is waiting now
To cleanse and receive you today;
Come and fall humbly before the cross,
Don’t idle your time away.
Refrain