We plough the fields, and scatter

General information

Lyricist: Matthias Claudius, translated by Jane Montgomery Campbell.

Settings by composers

• Joseph Barnby SATB
• M. Ryan Taylor SATB

Original text and translations

English text

1  We plough the fields, and scatter
the good seed on the land,
but it is fed and watered
by God's almighty hand:
he sends the snow in winter,
the warmth to swell the grain,
the breezes, and the sunshine,
and soft, refreshing rain.

Refrain: All good gifts around us
are sent from heaven above;
then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord,
for all his love.

2  He only is the maker
of all things near and far;
he paints the wayside flower,
he lights the evening star;
the winds and waves obey him,
by him the birds are fed;
much more to us, his children,
he gives our daily bread.
Refrain

3  We thank thee then, O Father,
for all things bright and good,
the seed-time and the harvest,
our life, our health, our food.
Accept the gifts we offer
for all thy love imparts,
and, what thou most desirest,
our humble, thankful hearts.
Refrain