lifeblood: songs: can the circle be unbroken (by and by)

will the circle
be unbroken
by and by
lord by and by
there's a better
home awaiting
in the sky lord
in the sky

i was standing
by my window
on a cold and
cloudy day
when i saw that
hearse come rolling
for to carry
my mother away

well i said to
the undertaker
undertaker
please drive slow
for the body
you are haulin'
lord i hate
to see her 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

well i followed
close behind her
tried to stand 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

when i went back
home it was broken
since my mother
she was gone
all my brothers
and sisters crying
what a home
so sad and alone

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

words and music by a. p. carter reworking "will the circle be unbroken" by ada r. habershon and charles h. gabriel.
as performed 2025-04-17: mainstange tent - dahlonega, georgia (the glenda pender gospel jam at bear on the square mountain festival) (with group) (amy ray)