Shall we gather at the river
Where bright angels feet have trod
With it's crystal tides forever
Flowing by the throne of God.
Yes, we'll gather at that river
The beautiful, the beautiful river
Gather with the saints at that river
That flows by the throne of God.
When we reach that shining river
We'll lay every burden down
Then grace our spirits will deliver
And will receive our robe and crown.
Yes, we'll gather at that river
The beautiful, the beautiful river
Gather with the saints at that river
That flows by the throne of God.
Soon we'll reach that silver river
Soon our pilgrimage will cease
Soon our happy hearts will quiver
With the melody of peace.
Yes, we'll gather at that river
The beautiful, the beautiful river
Gather with the saints at that river
That flows by the throne of God.
Oh yes, we'll gather at that river
That flows by the throne of God
That flows by the throne of God
Shall We Gather at the River? Video
Shall We Gather at the River? Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"Shall We Gather at the River?" is a timeless hymn that has touched the hearts of many over the years. Initially penned by Robert Lowry in 1864, it found a new audience in 2003 when country and gospel music legend Randy Travis included a rendition on his album "Worship & Faith." Released on November 11, 2003, under the Word Records label, the album blends traditional hymns with Travis's signature country style, showcasing his deep baritone voice and sincere delivery.
The hymn itself is deeply rooted in Christian theology, posing a rhetorical question about the faithful gathering by the river that flows by the throne of God, a direct reference to the imagery found in the Book of Revelation. Specifically, Revelation 22:1-2 describes a river of water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. This passage serves as a foundation for the hymn's message of hope and anticipation of eternal life in the presence of God.
Randy Travis's rendition of "Shall We Gather at the River?" brings this hymn into the contemporary country music landscape, introducing the song to a broader audience while retaining its original message of hope and comfort. The hymn's structure, consisting of several verses and a repeated chorus, lends itself to a simple yet profound lyrical narrative about the Christian hope of eternal peace and reunion in the afterlife.
For musicians and singers interested in performing this hymn, it is often played in keys that are accessible for congregational singing, such as C, G, or D major. The hymn's arrangement typically follows a straightforward chord progression, making it suitable for guitar or piano accompaniment. The simplicity of the music allows the focus to remain on the hymn's comforting lyrics and the message they convey.
The impact of "Shall We Gather at the River?" extends beyond its musical composition to its ability to provide solace and hope to believers. The hymn has become a staple in Christian funerals and services focused on the theme of eternal life, serving as a reminder of the Christian belief in a heavenly reunion. Through his rendition, Randy Travis has contributed to the hymn's enduring legacy, ensuring its continued relevance and appeal to both traditional and contemporary audiences.
The hymn's lyrics speak directly to the Christian's heart, offering a vision of a peaceful gathering in the presence of God, free from the trials and tribulations of earthly life. This message of hope is particularly poignant in times of loss or uncertainty, providing a source of comfort and reassurance to believers facing difficult circumstances.
"Shall We Gather at the River?" also reflects the broader theme of journey and pilgrimage that is prevalent in Christian theology. The imagery of reaching the shining river and laying down every burden resonates with the Christian understanding of life as a pilgrimage towards a heavenly homeland. This theme is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as Hebrews 11:13-16, which speaks of the faithful who confess that they are strangers and pilgrims on the earth, seeking a better, heavenly country.
Randy Travis's inclusion of "Shall We Gather at the River?" on his "Worship & Faith" album highlights the hymn's significance as a source of spiritual nourishment and encouragement. Through his heartfelt performance, Travis invites listeners to reflect on the hope of eternal life and the promise of a future gathering in the presence of God. His rendition serves as a testament to the power of hymns to convey deep theological truths and to provide comfort and inspiration to believers.
The enduring appeal of "Shall We Gather at the River?" lies in its ability to speak to the universal human experience of longing for peace, reunion, and a sense of belonging. Its message transcends denominational boundaries, resonating with Christians of diverse traditions and backgrounds. In a world often marked by division and strife, the hymn offers a vision of unity and harmony in the presence of God.
As "Shall We Gather at the River?" continues to be sung and cherished by generations of believers, its message of hope, comfort, and anticipation of eternal life remains as relevant and powerful as ever. Through his rendition, Randy Travis has contributed to the hymn's legacy, ensuring that its comforting words continue to reach and inspire those in need of solace and reassurance. In the midst of life's trials and uncertainties, the hymn stands as a beacon of hope, pointing towards the promise of a future gathering by the river that flows by the throne of God.
