God Has Given us the Earth (Treat it well, do not destroy)

This is a hymn for children about the gift of creation and our responsibility for to preserve it.  It has gentle verses describing the marvel of God's work, and a rousing refrain which urges saving the planet for future generations.

The song was written by Irish Roman Catholic composer and liturgical musician Bernard Sexton, and originally commissioned for the Grow In Love religious education programme, produced by Veritas Publications and introduced in Ireland in 2017.

The author has described it as "an easy multi-generational anthem for unison voices, based on Pope Francis' Laudato Si"

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Sexton. This has a cut-common time signature. In the key of Eb, the first few notes are G G_ G G A GF E F B BB B with accompanying chords Eb --- Bb/D

Image adapt. from a painting by Jan Brueghel the Younger  (1601–1678)

Downloads

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Digital Download - arranged for piano, with chords, unison choir.

Examples

Official video - child singer:

Recording from Emmanuel 2023 choir event:

Lyrics

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

1. God has given us the earth, has given fruits for all ...

Chorus:
We must try, we must try,
to protect the world we live in
for all peoples yet to come.
We must try, we must try,
to take what’s needed and no more
so there’s enough for ev’ryone.

2. Teach us, Lord, to marvel at the beauty of each thing ...

3. Teach us, Lord, respect for all the living things we see ...

See more ...

• Hymns about care for creation
• Children's hymns

KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY 1. God has given us the earth, has given fruits for all.
God has made all living things, all creatures great and small.
We must treasure God’s great gift, the planet that we share.
Respect it and protect it and show we really care.
Do not take this world for granted.
Treat it well, do not destroy what keeps us all alive.

Chorus:
We must try, we must try,
to protect the world we live in
for all peoples yet to come.
We must try, we must try,
to take what’s needed and no more
so there’s enough for ev’ryone.

2. Teach us, Lord, to marvel at the beauty of each thing:
The clear blue crystal water, the sparrow as it sings,
The wolf’s cry in the distance and the summer’s cooling breeze,
The deep green forest hiding all the many different trees.
Do not take this world for granted, treat it well, do not destroy.

3. Teach us, Lord, respect for all the living things we see:
The vast expansive oceans, the gently humming bee,
The brightness of the snow-capped mountain, eagles soaring high,
The dark rocks that we swim from ’neath a hazy autumn sky.
Do not take this world for granted, treat it well, do not destroy.