Nitty Gritty Dirt Band - Will the Circle Be Unbroken Lyrics
Lyrics
I was standing by my window,
On one cold and cloudy day
When I saw that hearse come rolling
For to carry my mother away
Will the circle be unbroken
by and by, Lord, by and by
There's a better home a-waiting
in the sky, Lord, in the sky
I said to that undertaker
undertaker please drive slow
for this lady you are carrying
Lord, I hate to see here go
Will the circle be unbroken
by and by, Lord, by and by
There's a better home a-waiting
in the sky, Lord, in the sky
Oh, 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
There's a better home a-waiting
in the sky, Lord, in the sky
I went back home, my home was lonesome
missed my mother, she was gone
all of my brothers, sisters crying
what a home so sad and lone
Will the circle be unbroken
by and by, Lord, by and by
There's a better home a-waiting
in the sky, Lord, in the sky
We sang the songs of childhood
Hymns of faith that made us strong
Ones that Mother Maybelle taught us
Hear the angels sing along
Will the circle be unbroken
by and by, Lord, by and by
There's a better home a-waiting
in the sky, Lord, in the sky
Will the circle be unbroken
by and by, Lord, by and by
There's a better home a-waiting
in the sky, Lord, in the sky
Video
[ HiFi ] Will The Circle Be Unbroken Vol.2／Nitty Gritty Dirt Band／Johnny Cash／Ricky Skaggs
Meaning & Inspiration
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's 1972 album, "Will the Circle Be Unbroken," stands as a monumental testament to shared musical heritage and the enduring power of faith, even if not explicitly a Christian song in its origin, its themes resonate deeply with spiritual truths. This groundbreaking project, released on January 1, 1972, brought together a remarkable cast of country music pioneers, including Mother Maybelle Carter, Earl Scruggs, and Roy Acuff, with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band themselves, creating a living bridge between generations and genres. At its core, the album's title track, "Will the Circle Be Unbroken," has become a touchstone for discussions of legacy, community, and the continuation of faith. While the song originated from a gospel hymnal, its message transcends denominational boundaries, speaking to a universal human desire for connection and the perpetuation of what is good and true across time. The repeated question, "Will the circle be unbroken?" echoes a profound yearning, akin to the biblical contemplation of eternal life and unbroken fellowship with God and one another. This sentiment finds parallel in scripture, such as in the Apostle Paul's encouragement to the Thessalonians, urging them to stand firm and hold to the traditions they had been taught (2 Thessalonians 2:15), implying a desire for continuity in faith and teaching. The song’s narrative, often interpreted as a mother’s passing and her concern for her children’s spiritual well-being and the preservation of their family’s faith, evokes the biblical emphasis on passing down spiritual inheritance. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 beautifully captures this, commanding parents to impress God’s words on their children, speaking of them “when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” The "circle" in this context can be seen as the unbroken chain of believers, a community bound by shared love and adherence to divine principles, mirroring the early church's commitment to fellowship and mutual encouragement, as described in Acts 2:42. The song's very asking of the question implies a hope, a belief that despite separation by death or distance, the spiritual bonds can indeed remain intact. This is the very hope that sustains believers, knowing that in Christ, death is not the final word, and the fellowship with God and His people continues eternally, as promised in John 11:25-26, where Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die." The collaborative spirit of the album, bringing together seasoned veterans and a new generation, further reinforces the message of unbroken legacy, demonstrating that wisdom and faith are meant to be shared and passed down, ensuring that the "circle" of those who hold dear what is sacred is never broken.