The seed I have scattered in springtime with weeping,
And watered with tears and with dews from on high;
Another may shout when the harvester’s reaping,
Shall gather my grain in the “sweet by and by.”

Refrain

Over and over, yes, deeper and deeper
My heart is pierced through with life’s sorrowing cry,
But the tears of the sower and songs of the reaper
Shall mingle together in joy by and by.
By and by, by and by,
By and by, by and by,
Yes, the tears of the sower and songs of the reaper
Shall mingle together in joy by and by.

Another may reap what in springtime I’ve planted,
Another rejoice in the fruit of my pain,
Not knowing my tears when in summer I fainted
While toiling sad-hearted in the sunshine and rain.

Refrain

The thorns will have choked and the summers suns blasted
The most of the seed which in springtime I’ve sown;
But the Lord Who has watched while my weary toil lasted
Will give me a harvest for what I have done.

Refrain