Work, for the Night is Coming
a nineteenth century hymn sung by Patricia Cummings
words by Anna L. Coghill, written when she was eighteen in 1854
music by Lowell Mason, 1864
Maybe someday, we'll all find our own "rainbow connection."
The view toward our neighbor's apartment house, and the old Fire Station Tower.
photo by James Cummings, West Concord, NH.
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."
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."
This song originated with a passage in the Holy Bible, John 9:4:
"I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work."
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.