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1071. 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.

Text Information
First Line: On the dusty earth drum
Title: On the Dusty Earth Drum
Author: Joseph S. Cotter, Jr., 1895-1919
Meter: 6.5.6.5
Language: English
Publication Date: 2005
Topic: Earth-Centered Traditions; Nature
Notes: All of the Earth Chants, numbers 1069-1073, may be sung at the same time
Tune Information
Name: EARTH DRUM
Composer: Jason Shelton, 1972-
Meter: 6.5.6.5
Key: d minor or modal



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