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, silv'ry 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 ev'rything.

4 Slender, silv'ry drumsticks
beat the long tattoo;
God the Great Musician,
calling life anew.

Source: Singing the Journey: a supplement to Singing the Living Tradition #1071