‘Will the circle be unbroken’ ballad

Ada R. Habershon wrote a Christian hymn in 1907, with music by Charles H. Gabriel. It was called “Will the Circle be Unbroken,” and was published in a hymnal in 1908.

It was used in revivals to encourage folks in the congregation to seriously consider accepting Christ as savior so that they would be united with departed loved ones in eternity.

It was not until 1935, however, that the song gained tremendous recognition. That’s when A.P. Carter of the then-famous Carter Family “fixed up” the hymn by adopting the music but fully changing the lyrics. He called it, “Can the Circle be Unbroken.”

Old habits die hard, it seems. Even though the new lyrics were preferred, virtually everyone insisted on calling the song by its original title. Roy Acuff and a host of other singers recorded versions. It became one of the best known and loved country songs, and its chorus was later used in another song called “Daddy Sang Bass.”

Will the Circle be Unbroken

Glory, glory, Hallelujah
When I lay my burden down
Glory, glory, Hallelujah
When I lay my burden down

I was standin’ by my window
On a cold and cloudy day
When I saw that hearse come rollin’
For to carry my mother away

Chorus

Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
Theres a better home a-waitin’
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

I said to the undertaker
“Undertaker, please drive slow
For this body you are carryin’
Oh, I hate to see her go”

Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
Theres a better home a-waitin’
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

I followed close behind her
Tried to hold up and be brave
But I could not hide my sorrow
When they laid her in the grave

Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
Theres a better home a-waitin’
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

I went back home, it was lonesome
Since my mother, she was gone
All my brothers and sisters cryin’
What a home, so sad and lone

Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
Theres a better home a-waitin’
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Glory, glory, Hallelujah
And I lay my burden down
Glory, glory, Hallelujah
And I lay my burden down
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