They come and go, the seasons fair, And bring their spoil to vale and hills; But oh, there is waiting in the air, And a passionate hope the spirit fills. Why doth He tarry, the absent Lord ? When shall the Kingdom be restored. And earth and heaven with one ac-cord, Ring out the cry that the King comes ?
What will it be when the King comes ! What will it be when the King comes ! What will it be when He comes ! . . What will it be when the King comes!
2. The floods have lifted up their voice; The King hath come to His ownâ His own ! The little hills and vales rejoice, His right it is to take the crown. Sleepers, awake, and meet Him first ! Now let the marriage Hymns outburst ! And powers of darkness flee, disperstâ What will it be when the King comes!
3. A ransomed earth breaks forth in song, Her sin-stained ages over-past; Her yearning, "Lord, how long, how long ? Exchanged for joy at lastâat last ! Angels, carry the royal commands; Peace beams forth throughout all the lands: The trees of the field shall clap their handsâ What will it be when the King comes !
4. Now Zion's hill, with glory crowned, Uplifts her head with joy once more; And Zion's King, once scorned, disowned, Extends her rule from shore to shore. Sing, for the land her Lord regains ! Sing, for the Son of David reigns ! And living streams o'erflow her plainsâ What will it be when the King comes !
5. O brothers, stand as men that wait, The dawn is purpling in the east, And banners wave from heaven's high gate; The conflict nowâbut soon the feast. Mercy and truth shall meet again; Worthy the Lamb that once was slain; We can suffer nowâHe will know us thenâ What will it be when the King comes !