William J. Henry V1 C V2 C V3 C V4 C [V1] I cannot be idle, for Jesus says, "Go And work in My harvest today; And then at the evening, when labor is done, Whatever is right I will pay." [C] Then away to the work I will go, And join in the reaping of grain, And back from the harvest with beautiful sheaves, I’ll come with rejoicing again. [V2] I cannot be idle, the fields are so white, And numberless sheaves will be lost; They perish for want of more reapers to save, How awful to think of the cost! [V3] I cannot be idle, soon time will be o’er, And reaping be ended for aye; I’ll gather the lost from the byways of sin To walk in the beautiful way. [V4] I cannot be idle, no time for repose, My resting shall be over there, Where all of the faithful in heaven above A crown of bright glory shall wear.