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Work for the Night Is Coming

1. Work, for the night is coming,
Work through the morning hours;
Work while the dew is sparkling,
Work 'mid springing flowers;
Work when the day grows brighter,
Work in the glowing sun;
Work, for the night is coming,
When man's work is done.

2. Work, for the night is coming,
Work through the sunny noon;
Fill brightest hours with labor,
Rest comes sure and soon.
Give every flying minute,
Something to keep in store;
Work, for the night is coming,
When man works no more.

3. Work, for the night is coming,
Under the sunset skies;
While their bright tints are glowing,
Work, for daylight flies.
Work till the last beam fadeth,
Fadeth to shine no more;
Work, while the night is darkening,
When man's work is o'er.

Lyrics: Anna Louisa Walker Coghill
Music: Lowell Mason

Tune: WORK SONG

Work for the Night Is Coming

Annie L. Coghill, 1836–1907

This hymn was written in 1854 by an eighteen year-old Canadian girl, Annie Louisa Walker. Annie later married a wealthy merchant, Harry Coghill, in 1883. Her poem was first published in a Canadian newspaper and later in her own book, Leaves From the Back Woods. Mrs. Coghill eventually attained prominence as a poet and author, producing several volumes.