Across the wet November night

The church is bright with candlelight

And waiting Evensong, (2x)

A single bell with plaintive strokes

Pleads louder than the stirring oaks

The leafless lanes along. (2x)



It calls the choirboys from their tea

And villagers, the two or three,

Damp down the kitchen fire (2x)

Let out the cat, and up the lane

Go paddling through the gentle rain

Of misty Oxfordshire (2x)



On country morning sharp and clear

The penitent in faith draw near

And kneeling here below (2x)

Partake the heavenly banquet spread

Of sacramental Wine and Bread

And Jesus' presence know (2x)



And must that plaintive bell in vain

Plead loud along the dripping lane?

And must the building fall? (2x)

Not while we love the church and live

And of our charity will give

Our much, our more, our all (2x)