Singing the Living Tradition ‎#74

74. On the Dusty Earth Drum

1 On the dusty earth drum
beats the falling rain;
now a whispered murmur,
now a louder strain.

2 Slender, silvery drumsticks
on an ancient drum
beat the mellow music
bidding life to come.

3 Chords of life awakened,
notes of greening spring,
rise and fall triumphant
over everything.

4 Slender, silvery drumsticks
beat the long tattoo —
God, the Great Musician,
calling life anew.

Text Information

• First Line: On the dusty earth drum
• Title: On the Dusty Earth Drum
• Alterer: Joseph S. Cotter, Jr., 1895-1919
• Meter: 6.5.6.5.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1993
• Topic: Transcending Mystery and Wonder: The World of Nature; The Arts; Earth; Spring

Tune Information

• Name: WEM IN LEIDENSTAGEN
• Composer: Friedrich Filitz, 1804-1860
• Meter: 6.5.6.5.
• Key: F Major or modal