by Mariane Holbrook

All across America you’ll hear the pleasant sound
Of plows and spades and rakes that turn the winter’s hardened ground.
The fertile soil so freshly plowed announces spring is here,
While farmers sort through bags of seeds to plant for this new year.

The barefoot son, still just a child, is taught to love the land;
He follows close behind his dad to give a helping hand.
The days are long, the work is hard, but they don’t seem to care;
The pride they feel in this, their land, makes them just glad they’re there.

The fathers lead the family prayers while each child bows his head;
The children sing their worship songs; a scripture verse is read.
The mothers teach them of God's love and urge each one to pray
That Jesus will forgive their sins and wash them all away.

Lord, help us teach these values to all children everywhere
So they will see our land’s a precious gift from God so rare.
To those who labor in the fields and toil til work is through,
Remember there are great rewards for such good men as you.