Lyrics
There's a river rolling deep and wide
(It's rolling) Paradise is on the other side
(Yes Heaven is a-waiting)
When this old life is or'e
There we'll abide
Forever I'll abide
Oh roll on mighty old river
To that sweet forever
Let your waves roll gently
Guard your sword intently
Some day we must cross your shore
Roll on, Jordan
Roll on old river deep and wide
My Home is on the other side
So when I reach the river
Gonna pray the Lord to carry me Home
So roll on Jordan
Life's a river that I gotta span
To reach that mansion in the Promised Land
Roll on, Roll on Jordan
Roll on mighty old river
To that sweet forever
Let your waves roll gently
Guard your sword intently
Some day we must cross your shore
Roll on Jordan
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Roll On Jordan uses the river Jordan as an image of the boundary between earthly life and the promised home beyond it. The lyric faces death without dwelling on fear, repeating the request that the river roll gently until the crossing comes. Images of paradise, heaven, and a mansion in the Promised Land give the song the language of hopeful anticipation rather than final separation.
The promised dwelling on the other side aligns most clearly with Christ’s assurance in John 14:2–3 that a place is prepared for his followers. Jordan itself carries biblical associations with crossing into the land of promise, especially in Joshua 3, though the song applies that image to eternal hope. Its recurring chorus holds mortality and confidence together: life must be crossed, but the Lord is asked to carry the singer home. That combination suits the Southern gospel tradition and keeps the focus on trust beyond death.
Related Scripture
- John 14:2-3 Jesus promises a prepared dwelling and his followers’ future presence with him.
- Joshua 3:14-17 Israel crosses the Jordan on dry ground into the promised land.