They worked their will and ate their fill,
And rested from their labours.
God bless them all, both great and small,
Who made our Land of Good Neighbours!
Was one too weak--they'd give a lift!
Was seed grain lacked--they'd lend it!
Was there a row--the minister
Would lecture them and end it.
In summer heat and winter cold
They did their duty roundly;
They lived and died like men of faith,
And now they're sleeping soundly.
Chorus.
Let those who reap the fields they sowed.
The softer generations,
Pay homage to the brawny men
Who laid the first foundations!
Just now we're full of youth and pride,
But maybe when we're older
We'll honour those who made our land
With shoulder set to shoulder.