The Irish Presbyterian Hymnbook ‎#P127

P127. Except the Lord do build the house

1 Except the Lord do build the house,
the builders lose their pain:
except the Lord the city keep,
the watchmen watch in vain.
2 ’Tis vain for you to rise betimes,
or late from rest to keep,
to feed on sorrows’ bread; so gives
he his beloved sleep.

3 Lo, children are God’s heritage,
the womb’s fruit his reward.
4 The sons of youth as arrows are,
for strong men’s hands prepared.
5 O happy is the man that hath
his quiver filled with those;
they unashamed in the gate
shall speak unto their foes.

Text Information

• First Line: Except the Lord do build the house
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2004
• Scripture:
  Psalm 127

Tune Information

• Name: SALISBURY
• Harmonizer: David Evans, 1874-1948
• Meter: CM
• Key: G Major
• Source: Ravenscroft's Pslames, 1621