We Plough The Fields And Scatter
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- čas přidán 17. 03. 2008
- This well-known harvest hymn might appear to come from the English countryside, but it has rather different origins. It is the "Peasant's Song" from a sketch by Matthias Claudius in Paul Erdmann's Fest (Hamburg, 1782), depicting a harvest thanksgiving in a North German farmhouse. It was based upon a peasants' song which he heard sung at the home of one of the farmers. Claudius was for some time an atheist, but later renewed his Christian faith. At the time of writing this hymn he was editor of the local paper in Hesse Darmstadt, where he was also a Commissioner of Agriculture.
The hymn was originally seventeen verses long, each followed by a refrain, and was translated into English by Miss Jane Montgomery Campbell. This translation, though not very literal, does preserve the spirit of the original. It first appeared in Rev Charles S Bere's A Garland of Songs (1861) and subsequently in the Appendix (1868) to Hymns Ancient and Modern, where verse 3 was revised to the present text from the original:
line 5 - No gifts have we to offer... (rev. Accept the gifts we offer)
line 7 - But that which thou desirest... (rev. And, what thou most desirest...)
This alteration was probably introduced to make the hymn suitable for services where harvest produce was on view or offered by the worshippers, although the English Hymnal continues to use the original words.
There are several Biblical references. Verse 1, Acts 14:17; refrain, Matthew 7:11, James 1:17. Verse 2, line 5, Psalm 65:7, Matthew 8:27; line 6, Matthew 6:26; line 8, Matthew 6:11. Verse 3, line 3, Genesis 8:22; line 8, Psalm 51:17.
Tune - Wir pflügen
The tune Wir pflügen (Dresden), by J A P Schülz, first appeared in Hoppenstedt's Lieder für Volksschulen (Hanover, 1800) where it was set to Claudius's hymn (by now shortened to six verses). Schültz (1747-1800) was Kapellmeister first to Prince Henry of Prussia (1780-87) and then subsequently at the Court of Copenhagen (1787-95). Schültz's health was permanently damaged trying to save the music library when the Danish Royal Palace was burned down in 1795. The tune first appeared in England associated with the current words in The Bible Class Magazine (November 1854) and was arranged and harmonised by Rev J B Dykes for the first edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern (1868). - Hudba
My grandfather was a prominent farmer in my village and a proud Anglican christian. This was his favourite hymn and at his funeral the church was so packed that people had to stand outside. When this was sung it really affected us and it could be heard around the village. It is a truly beautiful piece.
Reminds me of my anglican parish that I attended in Mombasa, Kenya where we had a beautiful choir at the 11 o'clock service led by Mrs Mubiru, herself a great soprano. A beautiful hymn that was always sung at the harvest service.
Was my best song when I went to church in West Sussex.
Those of us with hearing loss are grateful that you took the time to include the lyrics. Thank you!
Thank you for posting this song. I learned it as a girl while attending a Presbyterian primary school in Cameroon. My cousin, Mrs. R N Jackai was my teacher and she taught us this song during devotion..
I've been humming this for years. Thanks for the history of this hymn.
This is one of my favorites. God bless.
A favorite of my dad.It was called the farmer's hymn.It was sung at harvest and cane farmers meetings.
I love this song because my livelihood came from the sugar cane fields.Makes me very nostalgic.
Wonderful hymn of thanksgiving.
Thanks for uploading this one of my favourite hyms
What a lovely tradition hymn.
Thank you.
Thank you
@darren0275 it reminds me of mine too, Bonneville Junior School, London. Harvest Festivals, been out of UK so long, do they still celebrate Harvest Festivals? Thanks for the comment.
took me right back to school assembly...when standards and morals were high
How right you are.
Alas. How far we have fallen.
this is lovely. May I use it in a worship service online on Sunday please?
Yes, of course you may
This is whatI call diversity!!!
I LOVE PLOUGHING
Each new line of words appears slightly too late in the video to allow for a continuous singalong.
Heavy horses
Jonh Barleycorn
@cadfaelsnovice My uncle Henry began the Anglican church. It was a step away from the Whore of Babylon in rome, (Rev 17) but without lettin go, of the apostasies, the disregard of the Bible. SPURN THE MUSE!!
actually, could be a good song....but the Sex Pistols need to do it...