Blackwood Brothers - If We Never Meet Again Lyrics
Lyrics
Soon we'll come to the end of life's journey
And perhaps we'll never meet anymore
Till we gather in Heaven's bright city
Far away on that beautiful shore
If we never meet again this side of Heaven
As we struggle through this world and its strife
There's another meeting place somewhere in heaven
By the side of the river of life
(Where the charming roses bloom forever)
(And where separation comes no more)
If we never meet again this side of Heaven
I will meet you on that beautiful shore
Oh, they say we shall meet by the river
Where no storm clouds ever darken the sky
And they say we'll be happy in Heaven
In the wonderful sweet by and by
(Where the charming roses bloom)
Video
If We Never Meet Again
Meaning & Inspiration
On April 30, 2020, the legendary Blackwood Brothers released "If We Never Meet Again," a timeless gospel anthem that resonates deeply with the enduring Christian hope of eternal reunion. This rendition, steeped in the quartet's rich heritage, isn't just a song; it's a profound spiritual declaration, a melodic comfort that looks beyond earthly partings to the glorious gathering promised to believers. Its message navigates the bittersweet reality of life's brevity with an unwavering gaze fixed on the celestial horizon, offering solace and assurance to all who embrace the Christian faith.
The song’s narrative unfolds with a poignant acknowledgment of our mortal journey, recognizing that "soon we'll come to the end of life's journey" and the inevitable prospect of earthly separation. This initial reflection sets a contemplative tone, reminding us of the transient nature of our existence, a truth echoed in Scripture: "What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes" (James 4:14). Yet, instead of dwelling on sorrow, the song swiftly pivots to the magnificent promise of a divine appointment: "Till we gather in Heaven's bright city, Far away on that beautiful shore." This anticipation isn't merely wishful thinking but a core tenet of Christianity, founded on Jesus's promise in John 14:2-3, "In my Father's house are many rooms... I go to prepare a place for you... that where I am you may be also."
The heart of the song lies in its powerful refrain, emphasizing that even "if we never meet again this side of Heaven, As we struggle through this world and its strife," there is an unshakeable certainty of "another meeting place somewhere in heaven." This acknowledges the real-world challenges and tribulations believers face—the "strife" that Jesus Himself foretold in John 16:33: "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." The comfort isn't in the absence of struggle, but in the assurance that these temporary hardships pale in comparison to the eternal reward. This heavenly meeting place is vividly described "by the side of the river of life," a direct echo of Revelation 22:1-2, which describes "the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb." This imagery signifies divine provision, unending peace, and the very presence of God, where all needs are met and all sorrows are erased.
Furthermore, the song paints a picture of a realm where "the charming roses bloom forever" and "separation comes no more." This vision of perpetual beauty and unity perfectly aligns with biblical prophecy, particularly Revelation 21:4, which declares that in the new heaven and new earth, God "will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." The absence of "storm clouds ever darken the sky" underscores a state of perfect peace and unblemished joy, where the need for sun or moon is gone, "for the glory of God gives it light" (Revelation 21:23). The ultimate promise is one of boundless happiness in Heaven, the "wonderful sweet by and by," where believers will experience "fullness of joy" in God's presence and "pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11). "If We Never Meet Again" by the Blackwood Brothers is more than a musical performance; it is a profound declaration of faith, a hymn of hope that guides the soul through present trials with the radiant anticipation of an eternal, joyous reunion with loved ones and, most importantly, with our Savior, in a place where sorrow is a distant memory and God's glory illuminates all.