They tell the tale at Harvest time
Of a man they call John Barleycorn
A young man cut down in his prime
So that his soul might be reborn
His seed is put into the ground
And as the season turns around
He rises up to meet the sky
Only to be cut down by the Harvest

chorus:
Round the seasons come and go
High and mighty are laid low
Hand the reaper what you sow
For you will climb
But then it's time to be ready for the Harvest

John Barleycorn will pay the price
Our daily bread and grain to yield
Cut down as a sacrifice
Like youth upon a battlefield
What a gift he has to give
That he should die that we might live
Man can know no greater love
And we enjoy the blessings of the harvest

And in the gather do you feel
One more turning of the wheel?

Remember when you sow the seed
The neck that feels the reaper's blade
And so your life becomes indeed
The corners turned and choices made
Remember when you seek the light
To every morning comes the night
And when you feast and have your fill
Don't forget it's only till the Harvest

words and music by Lisa Theriot

© 1999 Raven Boy Music