ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL

“God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.” Genesis 1:31

Words: Cecil Frances Humphreys Alexander, Hymns for Little Children, 1848; original title: “Maker of Heaven and Earth.” Alexander is believed to have written these lyrics at Markree Castle, near Sligo, Ireland. Music: “Royal Oak,” 17th Century English melody; arranged by Martin Fallas Shaw, 1915 (MIDI, score). Al­ter­nate tune: “Bright and Beautiful,” by William Henry Monk “Gerald,” Louis Spohr, 1834

Refrain

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful:
The Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
God made their glowing colors,
And made their tiny wings.

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The purple headed mountains,
The river running by,
The sunset and the morning
That brightens up the sky.

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[The following verse is omitted from most hymnals]

The rich man in his castle,
The poor man at his gate,
He made them high or lowly,
And ordered their estate.

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The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden:
God made them every one.

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The tall trees in the greenwood,
The meadows where we play,
The rushes by the water,
We gather every day.

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God gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.

Refrain

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