It’s Harvest Time : Songs For the Harvest

It’s Harvest Time is one of my favourite children’s songs for the harvest as it has a simple, catchy melody and lyrics and can be performed with simple actions. Perfect for a harvest festival, or for singing at any other seasonal gathering.

If you live in the country it is easy to appreciate the full meaning and importance of harvest time. It is the fruition of a whole years work, a time to finally sit back and be thankful with a great sense of satisfaction, but also wonder at the beauty and generosity of nature’s bounty.

These days, more people live in towns and cities and it is easy to lose sight of the true meaning of this very traditional festival. Singing a harvest song and taking part in some seasonal activities helps to keep the traditions alive.

Observing the natural rhythm of the seasons teaches children so many good things, but above all it instills in them a love and respect for the world we live in.

Songs For The Harvest

It’s Harvest Time

The farmer gathers his hay today,   (arms sway like hay)

It’s harvest time,      (arms sway like hay)

The farmer gathers his hay today,     (swaying arms)

It’s harvest time!               (swaying arms)

 He cuts it down and stacks it high,  (chopping action)

Gives it a shake, then leaves it to dry,    (shake arms)

We thank the Lord for this fine hay,  (hands in prayer)

This harvest time!        (hands in prayer)

*

The farmer gathers his corn today,  (sway arms like corn)

It’s harvest time,      (sway arms like corn)

The farmer gathers his corn today,     (sway arms like corn)

It’s harvest time,       (sway arms like corn)

It grows up high , turns golden brown,      (arms up high)

Then he comes and cuts it down,  (chopping action)

We thank the Lord for this fine corn,  (hands in prayer)

This harvest time.             (hands in prayer)

*

The farmer gathers his apples today,  (mime picking apples)

It’s harvest time,      (mime picking apples)

The farmer gathers his apples today,     (mime picking apples)

It’s harvest time,          (mime picking apples)

Red and rosy, juicy and sweet,    (pretend to eat one)

Lots of apples for us to eat,            (pretend to eat one)

We thanks the Lord for these fine apples,    (hands in prayer)

This harvest time!                   (hands in prayer)

This is the perfect simple choice for younger children. There’s nothing more charming than watching a class of little ones singing and miming the actions together.

Check out my Harvest & Apples lesson plan for how to combine lots more seasonal activities into a structured and lesson.