"Work for the Night is Coming"
a nineteenth century hymn sung by Patricia Lynne Cummings
Words by Anna L. Coghill, written when she was 18 years old in 1854
Music by Lowell Mason, 1864
Pat, in a house dress, hoeing evergreens on the farm where she grew up. Her Dad started a small nursery business, as a way to get outside and work hard, for little money, like most farmers. He thought of each seedling almost like a "little child," he once stated. This was his hobby, not his regular work (in the city). photo 1960s
My Rendition of This Song Played at a Funeral in AZ
Shortly after I recorded this song, I was asked by a family member of a recently deceased grandmother in Arizona, if this could be played at her funeral. She had always loved the song and had sung it often. Of course, the answer was "yes."
Grange Favorite
This song is one that was often sung at the Grange meetings I attended, as a teenager in Deerfield, New Hampshire (Grange #74). The words speak of the importance of work and the short time we are all here on earth, "Rest comes sure and soon."
Members of Grange #74, Deerfield, NH, on Awards Night. From left: Russell Bowden, Worthy Master; Mr. G. Moulton; Mrs. John Petersen (Gertrude); and Robert Stevens. All of these fine people have now passed on.
I, (Patricia Grace), was a member of the Grange between the ages of 14 and 18, and was the youngest Secretary in the history of State Grange. The Grange is where I learned this song.
Bible Quote
"I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work."
This song originated with a passage in the Holy Bible, John 9:4:
View of a rainbow from our upstairs window. photo by James Cummings
The melody is hauntingly beautiful and the words (listed below) present a truly inspired message.
Work for the Night is Coming
Work, for the night is coming,
Work, through the morning hours,
Work, while the dew is sparkling,
Work, 'mid springing flowers,
Work, when the day grows brighter,
Work, in the glowing sun,
Work, for the night is coming,
When man's work is done.
Work, for the night is coming,
Work through the sunny noon,
Fill brightest hours with labor,
Rest comes sure and soon.
Give every flying minute,
Something to keep in store,
Work, for the night is coming,
When man works no more.
Work, for the night is coming,
Under the sunset skies,
While their bright tints are glowing,
Work, for daylight flies.
Work 'til the last beam fadeth,
Fadeth to shine no more,
Work, while the night is darkening,
When man's work is o'er.
On guitar, use a capo on the 1st fret, and chords D, G, and A7.
Quilter's Muse Publications, Concord, NH. pat@quiltersmuse.com