He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.
Psalm 126:6
Words: Nim J. Orr, 1906. This might be the author whose name is given elsewhere as Nina J. Orr.
Music: J. M. Pierce (🔊 pdf nwc). Note: Repeat the last four lines of each stanza after the refrain.
If you know Pierce’s full name, or where to get a good photo of him or Orr, would you ?
While the dews of morning,
Verdant fields adorning,
E’er the glorious sunlight,
Dries the dewy leaves;
Thus with hearts of gladness,
Leaving care and sadness,
Hasten now the reapers
Gathering in the sheaves.
Refrain
Gathering in the sheaves,
Gathering in the sheaves,
See the busy reapers
Gathering in the sheaves.
While the day is going,
Love for God is flowing,
Like the summer lovely,
Grandest beauty weaves;
Songs of praise resounding,
Busy workers bounding,
Hastening in the harvest,
Gathering in the sheaves.
Refrain
If the day is dreary,
And the feet grow weary
Then the earnest laborers,
Greatest joy receive;
He that sows in sorrow,
Joyful reaps tomorrow,
With the holy angels
Gathering in the sheaves.
Refrain