Will the Circle Be Unbroken
Full Cast Lyrics

I was standing by my window
I was at home, standing next to my window watching outside.

On a cold and cloudy day
It was a cold and gloomy day outside.

When I saw the hearse come rollin'
I saw a funeral hearse moving in the distance.

For to take my mother away
It was carrying the body of my mother, who had passed away recently.

I told the undertaker
I spoke to the funeral director in charge of the procession.

"Undertaker, please drive slow
I requested the director to slow down the hearse.

'Cause that lady that you are haulin'
As my mother's body was in the hearse, I didn't want it to be driven too fast.

Oh, I hate to see her go"
I was deeply saddened by the loss of my mother and did not want to see her be taken away forever.

Will the circle be unbroken?
Is there a hope that our relationships and memories will endure after death?

By and by, Lord, by and by
Eventually, in God's time and purpose.

There's a better home awaitin'
After death, a better home in heaven.

In the sky, Lord, in the sky
In heaven with God.

So, I followed close behind her
I walked along right behind my mother's hearse.

Tried to hold up and be brave
I tried to keep my composure and be brave throughout the procession and burial.

But I could not hold my sorrow
Despite my efforts, I couldn't hold back my deep sorrow and grief.

When they laid her in the grave
When the funeral ceremony and burial were complete, and my mother's body was placed in the grave.

Tell me, when the circle be unbroken?
I'm repeating my earlier question about whether there is hope for our relationships and memories to carry on after death.

Oh, by and by, Lord, by and by
Hoping and believing that in God's time and purpose, there will be hope and restoration.

Oh there's a better home away
Reiterating the concept of a better eternal home in heaven.

In the sky, Lord, in the sky
In the heavenly afterlife with God.