Godspell

"All Good Gifts" - Music by Stephen Schwartz

Song Story

Schwartz was given the Episcopal Hymnal no. 138 to use for lyrics for this song.

Stephen Schwartz: "The song that struck home the most was 'All Good Gifts.' Just musically I hooked into something very heartfelt for me. It's the song about which I have the most passion."

In answer to a question about Jeffrey Mylett, Schwartz writes: It was never intended that Jeffrey sing "All Good Gifts", as I had written "We Beseech Thee" for him. But I knew he played the recorder and thought the break in "All Good Gifts" would be a good opportunity. The "choreography" of that section was patterned after the last shot of Bergman's "The Seventh Seal", with the travelling troupe of players dancing along the hillside in silhouette.

Lyrics:

ALL GOOD GIFTS

We plow the fields and scatter the good seed on the land..
But it is fed and watered by God's almighty hand..
He sends us snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain...
The breezes and the sunshine, and soft refreshing rain...

All good gifts around us
Are sent from Heaven above
So thank the Lord, oh thank the Lord for all his love...

We thank thee then, O Father, for all things bright and good,
The seedtime and the harvest, our life our health our food,
No gifts have we to offer for all thy love imparts
But that which thou desirest, our humble thankful hearts!

All good gifts around us
Are sent from Heaven above..
So thank the Lord, oh thank the Lord for all his love..

I really wanna thank you Lord

Sheet Music

Godspell Sheet Music

All Good Gifts - Choral Ensemble, Instrumental Part, Instrumental Solo Perfect for concert or showchoir, this dynamic work from the Broadw ay musical "Godspell" will clearly be a favorite. The solo part can show off your best singer's voice. A stunning work! (WARNER BROS. PUBLICATIONS, INC.)

All Good Gofts SATB From the musical Godspell comes this popular song of thanksgiving. Full of dynamic variations and accented rhythmic figures, it leads to a closing section featuring an energetic countermelody over the main theme. Stunning! Available: SATB. (Hal Leonard Corporation)

16 Bar Audition Songs - Includes "All Good Gifts"

Stephen Schwartz Album

Recordings

Godspell

Soundtrack, Bmg/Arista; 1973. Available from Amazon.com and other sources. Buy Godspell: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack [new browser window]

• Includes: Prepare Ye (The Way Of The Lord), Save The People, Day By Day, Turn Back O Man, Bless The Lord, All For The Best, All Good Gifts, Light Of The World, Alas For You, By My Side, Beautiful City, On The Willows, Finale tracks!

Back to the main Godspell page for other recordings and all about the musical

Story from a fan

Godspell "All Good Gifts"

Story from an actress named Dianne. "I went to a reuinion for Toby's Dinner Theater in Columbia, MD. It was a celebrate life party and hundreds of people from the entire 25 year history of the theatre were invited. The intent was to gather on a happy note instead of at everyone's funerals, like we usually do. After the speeches and food was done, they rolled in a piano and everyone circled the room to praise the lives of those present or had touched our lives and lost. And what do you think this multi-denominational group sang as it's thanks and praise to God - "All Good Gifts" of course! I was so moved and appreciated Stephen's talent even more at that very moment. That when a group that mixed in age, race, sex, preference,etc combined to praise with one prayer, Stephen had provided the ultimate vehicle for that prayer.! Amazing!