1 Nothing but leaves I’ve gathered,
Yes, nothing but worthless leaves,
When from the field of labor
Others bring golden sheaves;
Then in the day of judgment
Shall I be found with tares,
When God rewards the faithful
With crowns of shining stars.

Refrain:
Gathering nothing but leaves,
Gathering nothing but leaves;
Spending life’s precious moments
Gathering nothing but leaves.

2 Nothing but leaves I’ve gathered,
So sad, but, alas, ’tis true,
What I have done I never,
Nevermore can undo;
Past is the harvest season,
The summer has come and gone,
Reaping for future burning
The thorns and briars I’ve sown. [Refrain]

3 Nothing but leaves I’ve gathered,
Dear sinner, oh, hear the cry;
Swiftly your days are passing,
Soon you’ll be called to die;
What are the seeds you’re sowing?
What will you reap at last?
Sometime you’ll surely gather
Sheaves from the seeds you’ve cast. [Refrain]