“Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” is more than just a song—it’s a heartfelt piece that transcends generations, cultures, and genres. Often categorized as a gospel hymn, it carries an emotional weight that’s hard to put into words. It’s like a bittersweet melody that makes you feel connected to something deeper, whether you’re singing along in church, at a family gathering, or just reflecting quietly on life’s journey. The lyrics tap into the universal theme of loss, hope, and the belief that, despite the heartaches of separation, there’s a reunion waiting somewhere down the road.
Originally written in 1907 by Ada R. Habershon with music by Charles H. Gabriel, the song has taken on many different forms over the years, but the core message remains the same: a longing to keep the ties of family and faith intact, even in the face of death. It’s a song that speaks directly to the soul, stirring up memories of loved ones, and reminding us that no matter how broken things might feel, there’s always hope that the circle will be mended one day.
One of the most powerful renditions came from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s 1972 version, where country legends like Johnny Cash, Earl Scruggs, and Mother Maybelle Carter added their voices to create something truly timeless. The beauty of this version lies in its raw, honest portrayal of grief and resilience. You can almost hear the weight of every line being carried by those singing, as if each word is a shared story of sorrow and faith.
When you listen to “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” it’s hard not to feel something shift inside. It’s as if the song opens up a window to the past, letting you see a moment in time where music was a way of holding onto hope. Whether you’re listening to it during a tough time or simply because you love the sound of old harmonies and pure voices, it’s a reminder that the circle—no matter how tattered—always has a chance to be whole again
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Lyrics
I was standing by my window
On a cold and cloudy day
When I saw the hearse come rolling
For to carry my mother away.
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by Lord, by and by
There’s a better home awaiting
In the sky Lord, in the sky.
Well, I went back home, home was lonely
For my mother she was gone
And all my family there was cryin’
For out home felt sad and alone.
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by Lord, by and by
There’s a better home awaiting
In the sky Lord, in the sky.
Undertaker, undertaker, undertaker
Won’t you please drive slow
For that lady you are haulin’
Lord, I hate to see her go.
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by Lord, by and by
There’s a better home awaiting
In the sky Lord, in the sky.
There’s a better home awaiting
In the sky Lord, in the sky