Alexander, Charles M.: Alexander's Gospel Songs. New York: Fleming H. Revell Company
There are loved ones in the glory
Whose dear forms you often miss.
When you close your earthly story,
Will you join them in their bliss?
- Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, in the sky?
- In the joyous days of childhood
Oft they told of wondrous love
Pointed to the dying Saviour;
Now they dwell with Him above.
- (Chorus)
You remember songs of heaven
Which you sang with childish voice.
Do you love the hymns they taught you,
Or are songs of earth your choice?
(Chorus)
You can picture happy gath'rings
Round the fireside long ago,
And you think of tearful partings
When they left you here below.
(Chorus)
One by one their seats were emptied.
One by one they went away.
Now the family is parted.
Will it be complete one day?
(Chorus)
Version Carter Family:
I was standing by the window
On one cold and cloudy day
When I saw the hearse come rolling
For to carry my mother away.
Can the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
There's a better home awaiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky.
Lord, I told the undertaker:
"Undertaker, please drive slow
For this body you are taking
Lord, I hate to see her go".
Can the circle be unbroken...
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.
Can the circle be unbroken...
Went back home, Lord, my home was lonesome
Since my mother she was gone
All my brothers and sisters crying,
What a home, so sad and lone
Can the circle be unbroken...