7227. We Plow the Fields

1. We plow 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, and food;
No gifts have we to offer,
for all Thy love imparts,
But that which Thou desirest,
our humble, thankful hearts. [Refrain]

Text Information
First Line: We plow the fields, and scatter
Title: We Plow the Fields
German Title: Wir pflügen und wir streuen
Author: Matthias Claudius (1782)
Translator (from German): Jane M. Campbell
Refrain First Line: All good gifts around us
Meter: 76.76 D refrain
Language: English
Source: Paul Erdmann's Fest, 1782; translation first appeared in A Garland of Songs, by Charles S. Bere, 1862
Copyright: Public Domain
Notes: Claudius heard the words sung by local farmers.
Tune Information
Name: WIR PFLÜGEN
Composer: Johann Abraham Peter Schulz (1800)
Meter: 76.76 D refrain
Incipit: 51155 31543 21517
Key: A Major
Source: Lieder für Volksschulen mit Musik, edited by A. L. Hoppenstedt (Hanover, Germany: 1800)
Copyright: Public Domain
Notes: The music was first published anonymously, then later attributed to Schulz.



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