Tune: Laudate Domino
(\'O praise ye the Lord\')
Psalm 126
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When the LORD turned again captivity
Of Zion, His people, then liberty
Then they were like them that do in heart dream
As if their restoration real did not seem
Those dreams, those floatations, ephemeral
Yet having foundations, secure appeal
Then was their mouth filled with much joyful laughter
And their tongue was filled with singing thereafter
Then they said, was heard, among the heathen
The Lord has done great things for them even
They replied, yes it is true, the Lord has done
Great things for us, has brought us back, every one
Has redeemed us, brought us back to our land
Now trusting in Him, we here shall safe stand
These great things they experienced and were glad
His blessings and graces they joyfully had
Turn again our captivity, LORD, turn
As the streams in the south, help us to learn
Of you, who do guide us in all your paths sure
And uphold and strengthen us for evermore
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy, see
Sorrows may show as progress comes to be
Developing seeds come to ripe condition
Then reaping produces joy, more fruition
They that go forth and weep, with precious seed
May not easy, cosy, leisurely be
But they in time shall doubtless come once again
With rejoicing, bringing fruits of labour then
Their sheaves they shall bring at their harvest time
Their hopes be fulfilled, their reapings sublime
So they then restored, returned to native land
By the LORD\'s redeemings and His guiding hand