Reap me the Earth

This hymn was written by English Roman Catholic journalist, composer and music-editor Luke Connaughton (1917-1979).

It was originally intended as a hymn for Offertory use, but is also appropriate for harvest celebrations.   Some publishers have suggested it is appropriate for children.

It was first published in Sing a New Song to the Lord (Mayhew-McCrimmon Ltd 1970), under the pseudonym ‘Peter Icarus’ - one of several which Connaughton used for his works in this book.

Later books that it was published in include hymnal supplements and denomination hymnbooks, such as:

• Praise the Lord (1972),
• Praise for Today (1974),
• New Church Praise (1975)
• Alleluia! Amen (Veritas, 1978)
• Partners in Praise (1979)
• Hymns Ancient & Modern, New Standard Edition (1983)
• Worship, 3rd edition (1986)
• Rejoice in the Lord (1985).

It does not appear to be included in any in-print hymn books, so second-hand copies of the above are probably the best source of sheet music.

With meter 10.7.10.7.4.6.6.6, it was originally set to the tune JUCUNDA LAUDATIO by English organist and composer A Gregory Murray OSB (1905-1992). This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of D, the first few notes are F DF A FD E DE F, and the matching guitar chords are D A D.

Other tunes it has been set to include:

• BAY HALL by Michael Dawney (b 1942)
• WORLEBURY by John Ainslie (1972)

Examples

Small group, piano accompaniment, recording during a church service:

Children's choir, piano accompaniment, recorded during practise:

Adult choir with band accompaniment, recorded during a church service:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website.. A rough outline is:

1  Reap me the earth as a harvest to God ...

Chorus:
Bring bread, bring wine
Give glory to the Lord
Whose is the earth but God’s?
Whose is the praise but his?

2  Go with your songs and your music with joy ...

3  Gladness and pity and passion and pain ...