Lyrics
Chorus
Farther along we'll know all about it
Farther along we'll understand why
Come on and cheer up, my brother
Live in the sunshine
We'll understand it all by and by
Verse 1
When we see Jesus coming in Glory
When He comes home from His home in the sky
Then we shall meet Him in that bright mansion
And we'll understand it all by and by
Chorus
Farther along we'll know all about it
Farther along we'll understand why
Cheer up, my brother
Live in the sunshine
We'll understand it all by and by
Chorus
Farther along we'll know all about it
Farther along we'll understand why
Cheer up, my brother
Live in the sunshine
We'll understand it all by and by
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Farther Along is a gospel hymn of patience that holds out hope for understanding in the life to come. The chorus says that farther along the believer will know all about it and understand why, and urges a brother to cheer up and live in the sunshine. The promise of understanding it all by and by is repeated until it becomes a quiet assurance.
The verse looks ahead to the coming of Jesus in glory, when He comes home from His home in the sky and believers meet Him in the bright mansion. The hope of future clarity matches 1 Corinthians 13:12 on knowing fully, and John 13:7 where understanding comes later. John 14:2 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 echo the mansion and the return. The gentle, flowing melody and plain wording have made the hymn a comfort for people facing loss and unanswered questions.
Related Scripture
- 1 Corinthians 13:12 Now believers know in part, but then they will know fully.
- John 13:7 Jesus says what He is doing is not understood now but will be later.
- John 14:2 Jesus speaks of many rooms in His Father's house.