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CAT-049
Traditional / public domain
Will The Circle Be Unbroken
A working songbook entry preserved from repertoire, set-list, or reference evidence.
Source research
Documented lineage
- Earliest evidence
- 1907 hymn publication for Can the Circle Be Unbroken?
- Aliases / index
- Can the Circle Be Unbroken?
- Working arrangement
- Key G · Capo 2 · Banjo - Standard
Lyrics + source text
Working song sheet
Will The Circle Be Unbroken Ada R. Habershon and Charles H. Gabriel for the older hymn; Carter Family popularized a later country variant Rights: public-domain-us Verse: 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 Chorus: 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 | | | | | | Verse: Well I told that undertaker Undertaker please drive slow For that body you are hauling Lord, I hate to see her go Chorus: 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 | | | | | | Verse: Well I followed close behind her Tried to hold up and be brave But I could not hide my sorrow When they laid her in her grave Chorus: 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
Archive note
lyric/chord sheet present; listed in master list; appears in setlist
Chords
G · C · D