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Lyrics and Information

Nothing but Leaves

Words by William J. Henry, 1900.
Music by Barney E. Warren, 1900
Key signature: B flat major (2 flats)
Time signature: 6/8
Meter: 7.7.7.7.7.6.7.6. with Refrain
Public Domain
1. Nothing but leaves I’ve gathered, Yes, nothing but worthless leaves, When from the field of labor Others bring golden sheaves; Then in the day of judgment Shall I be found with tares, When God rewards the faithful With crowns of shining stars.
Refrain: Gathering nothing but leaves, Gathering nothing but leaves; Spending life’s precious moments Gathering nothing but leaves.
2. Nothing but leaves I’ve gathered, So sad, but, alas, ’tis true, What I have done I never, Nevermore can undo; Past is the harvest season, The sumhas come and gone, Reaping for future burning The thorns and briars I’ve cast.
3. Nothing but leaves I’ve gathered, Dear sinner, oh, hear the cry; Swiftly your days are passing, Soon you’ll be called to die; What are the seeds you’re sowing? What will you reap at last? Sometime you’ll surely gather Sheaves from the seeds you’ve sown.