Come with Me into the Fields

This is a hymn about following Jesus. The words are based on Matthew 9:38; John 4:35–38; Luke 10:2–21, which tell of Jesus' teaching that the harvest is plenty but laborers are few, and inviting others to work with him in the fields. It also reflects on the nature of missionary work: Those who sow will not harvest, and the goal is the kingdom of God.
The song was written by American musician, composer and at-the-time Roman Catholic priest Daniel (Dan) L Schutte (b 1947), and first published in 1971.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Schutte. This has a 3/4 time signature. In the key of C, the first few notes of the melody are D E_ G G_ GG FED E F_ with accompanying chords C / Em / Bb / Em.

Image adapted form The Veteran in a New Field (1865) by Winslow Homer (source)

Downloads

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Examples

Singer with piano-led band, professional recording, words on-screen

Singer with band, professional recording

Singer with organ, live in a church service

Choir with guitar and keyboard

Singer with guitar, recorded so support choir practise

Singer with piano, professional recording

Instrumental - piano

Lyrics

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

1. The fields are high and summer's days are few;
green fields have turned to gold.
The time is here for the harvesting,
for gathering home into barns.

Refrain:
The harvest is plenty, laborers are few.
Come with me into the fields.
Your arms may grow weary; your shoes will wear thin.
Come with me into the fields.

2. The seeds were sown by other hands than yours;
nurtured and cared for they grew.
But those who have sown will not harvest them;
the reaping will not be their care.

3. Your eyes have seen the holy face of God,
hidden from these who are wise.
The reign of God is within your heart;
the kingdom of heaven is near!