Fortune/Walker/Rogers/Isaacs - I'll Fly Away Lyrics
Lyrics
Some glad mornin' when this life is over
I'll fly away
To a home on God's celestial shore
I'll fly away
I'll fly away, oh, glory
I'll fly away
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by
I'll fly away
Just a few more weary days and then
I'll fly away
To a land where joy shall never end
I'll fly away
I'll fly away, oh, glory
I'll fly away
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by
I'll fly away
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by
I'll fly away
Video
Brothers of the Heart - I'll Fly Away (Live At Columbia, TN/2020)
Meaning & Inspiration
The Brothers of the Heart’s rendition of "I'll Fly Away," captured live in Columbia, TN in 2020, revitalizes a timeless gospel anthem, offering profound comfort and unwavering hope through its message. This enduring hymn, originally penned by Albert E. Brumley in 1932, emerged during the depths of the Great Depression, a period marked by immense hardship and a collective longing for release. Brumley’s inspiration reportedly came from imagining a bird soaring freely, a potent metaphor for escaping earthly struggles and ascending to a heavenly reward. The song's simple yet powerful narrative has since become a cornerstone of Christian music, speaking to the universal human desire for peace beyond this life.
The core of "I'll Fly Away" articulates a triumphant anticipation of eternal life, a concept deeply rooted in Christian theology. The opening lines, describing a "glad mornin' when this life is over" and a journey "To a home on God's celestial shore," beautifully encapsulate the believer's future hope. This echoes the promise found in John 14:2-3, where Jesus assures His disciples, "In My Father’s house are many mansions... I go to prepare a place for you... I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." The imagery of "flying away" serves as a gentle, liberating metaphor for the soul's transition from the temporal to the eternal, a departure from earthly limitations into boundless freedom. It’s not an escape *from* life, but a joyous ascent *to* the fullness of life with God.
The repeated refrain, "I'll fly away, oh, glory / I'll fly away / When I die, Hallelujah, by and by / I'll fly away," transforms the prospect of death from a fearful end into a celebrated beginning. The exclamations "oh, glory" and "Hallelujah" are expressions of profound joy and gratitude, signifying a faith that sees beyond the grave. This perspective aligns powerfully with Romans 8:18, which declares, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." For the Christian, physical death is merely a gateway to spiritual liberation and the ultimate realization of God's promise, as referenced in 1 Corinthians 15:54-55, where death is swallowed up in victory.
Further into the song, the acknowledgement of "Just a few more weary days and then / I'll fly away / To a land where joy shall never end," resonates with anyone who has faced life's burdens. It offers perspective, reminding us that earthly trials, no matter how taxing, are temporary. This transient nature of suffering is consistently addressed in Scripture, with 2 Corinthians 4:17 stating, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." The "land where joy shall never end" is the promised new heavens and new earth, vividly depicted in Revelation 21:4, where God "will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." This ultimate destination is not just an absence of pain, but a fullness of joy in God's presence, as Psalm 16:11 affirms: "In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
The enduring power of "I'll Fly Away," particularly in this rendition, lies in its capacity to instill profound peace and invigorate spiritual resolve. It serves as a musical testament to the Christian belief in a sovereign God who offers eternal rest and joy beyond our present circumstances. For generations, this song has uplifted spirits, turning hearts towards the divine promise and fostering a steadfast hope that transcends the temporal. It is a powerful reminder that while we navigate the "weary days" of this life, an incomparable glory awaits, making the journey itself a pathway to an ultimate, joyful reunion.