Gaither Vocal Band - The Old Country Church Medley Lyrics
Lyrics
1. Oh! I'd like to go back to that Old Country Church,
And to hear the songs of praise. (songs of praise)
How the people would sing, it would make the Heavens ring,
At that Old (at that Old) Country Church.
CHORUS:
Shall we gather at the river, the beautiful, the beautiful river.
Gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.
2. Oh, I'll never forget at that Old Country Church,
how the glory of the Lord came down. (It came down)
And the children would smile, as they shouted down the aisle,
Of that Old (of that Old) Country Church.
Shall we gather at the river, the beautiful, the beautiful river.
Gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.
In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore.
In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore.
3. Then on Sunday to see all my friends so dear to me
At that Old Country Church. (Country Church)
When it came time for prayer, ev'rybody would be there
At that Old (at that Old) Country Church.
Shall we gather at the river, the beautiful, the beautiful river.
Gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms.
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the Everlasting Arms.
4. Now the years have gone by and so many have died,
At that Old--- Country Church (Country Church)
But they're on the other shore, and they'll sing forevermore,
As they did at that Old Country Church.
Shall we gather at the river, the beautiful, the beautiful river.
Gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.
I'm redeemed by love divine. Glory, glory, Christ is mine.
All to Him I now resign. I have been redeemed.
Video
Gaither Vocal Group - The Old Country Church (Live)
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on May 26, 2017, the Gaither Vocal Band’s "The Old Country Church Medley" is more than a collection of beloved hymns; it is a profound journey through the spiritual memory and fervent hope central to Christian faith. This masterful arrangement weaves together a tapestry of reflection, anticipation, and unwavering trust, presenting a comprehensive picture of what it means to be part of God's people, both in memory and in the promised future. The song immediately transports the heart to a cherished past, evoking a deep yearning for the simple, unvarnished devotion found in an "Old Country Church."
The medley’s narrative begins with a heartfelt look back at a time and place where worship was vibrant and personal. The opening verses paint a vivid picture of congregational singing making the "Heavens ring" and the tangible experience of "the glory of the Lord came down." This longing for authentic, unrestrained praise resonates deeply, echoing scriptural calls to worship with joy and gladness, as seen in Psalm 100:2, which exhorts us to "serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing." The image of children smiling and shouting down the aisle speaks to a pure, uninhibited joy in God’s presence, a reflection of the childlike faith Jesus commended in Matthew 18:3. Furthermore, the recollection of friends gathering for prayer underscores the vital importance of fellowship and corporate prayer within the church community, a practice encouraged in Hebrews 10:25 to not neglect meeting together, and affirmed by Jesus’ promise in Matthew 18:20 that "where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." The passage of time and the departure of many to "the other shore" in the final verse of "The Old Country Church" shifts the perspective from earthly memory to heavenly anticipation, acknowledging the biblical truth that for believers, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8).
Interspersed throughout the medley is the timeless hymn "Shall We Gather at the River," which serves as a powerful refrain of future hope. This lyrical question is not one of uncertainty, but rather a joyful affirmation of the believer's ultimate destiny. The river in this context is a beautiful symbol of God's presence and the life-giving stream that flows from His throne, a profound image found in Revelation 22:1-2, which describes "the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb." This gathering "with the saints at the river" speaks to the grand assembly of God's redeemed people in eternity, a magnificent vision of unity and worship before the Creator, as prophesied in Ezekiel 47 and portrayed in Revelation 7:9-10. This heavenly reunion further develops with the addition of "In the Sweet By and By," reinforcing the confident expectation of meeting on that "beautiful shore." This segment poignantly captures the Christian hope of resurrection and reunion with departed loved ones, a comfort eloquently expressed in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, where Paul assures believers of their gathering with Christ and each other.
The medley then introduces the profound assurance found in "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms," shifting the focus from past remembrance and future hope to present-day reliance on God. This hymn speaks to the security and peace found in complete trust in God's unfailing strength. The concept of "everlasting arms" is directly rooted in Scripture, particularly Deuteronomy 33:27, which declares, "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." It is a testament to God’s constant support and protection, offering a sanctuary from all fears and alarms. This imagery encourages believers to cast their anxieties upon Him, knowing that He cares for them (1 Peter 5:7) and that He is an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). The medley culminates with the triumphant declaration, "I'm Redeemed," a deeply personal testimony of salvation. This powerful confession celebrates the transformative work of Christ, whose "love divine" has purchased freedom from sin. It echoes the joyous reality of redemption through Christ's blood, as stated in Ephesians 1:7: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace." The line "Glory, glory, Christ is mine" is a heartfelt acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord and Savior, leading to the ultimate act of surrender, "All to Him I now resign." This commitment aligns with Romans 12:1, which calls believers to "present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." "The Old Country Church Medley" by the Gaither Vocal Band thus stands as a timeless and deeply inspiring piece, reminding us of the rich heritage of faith, the unshakeable promise of eternity, and the enduring strength found in daily reliance on God, encouraging all who hear it to remember, anticipate, and trust.