Will the Circle Be Unbroken (Glory
Nitty Gritty Band Lyrics

I was standing by my window
The singer describes their location while reflecting on the events that followed.

On one cold and cloudy day
The singer sets the tone and atmosphere of the story.

When I saw that hearse come rolling
The first sign of tragedy that the singer sees.

For to carry my mother away
What the hearse is carrying and the reason for the artist's sorrow.

Will the circle be unbroken
The artist reflects on whether their family's bond will endure in the face of loss.

By and by, Lord, by and by
The singer expresses their faith in a higher power and belief in an afterlife.

There's a better home a-waiting
The singer believes that their mother is in a better place.

In the sky, Lord, in the sky
The artist once again expresses their faith in heaven and the afterlife.

I said to that undertaker
The artist directly addresses the man responsible for their mother's burial.

Undertaker please drive slow
The artist begs the man to be gentle on their final journey together.

For this lady you are carrying
The singer reminds the man that he is transporting someone they love deeply.

Lord, I hate to see here go
The artist expresses their sadness and reluctance to say goodbye.

Oh, I followed close behind her
The singer follows their mother's funeral procession to show their final respects.

Tried to hold up and be brave
The singer attempts to be strong in the face of their grief.

But I could not hide my sorrow
Despite their efforts, the singer is overwhelmed by their emotions.

When they laid her in the grave
The finality of the situation and the end of their mother's life.

I went back home, my home was lonesome
The artist returns to a life without their mother, feeling empty and alone.

Missed my mother, she was gone
The singer's longing for their deceased mother.

All of my brothers, sisters crying
The entire family is mourning and struggling to come to terms with their loss.

What a home so sad and lone
The house feels empty and depressing, mirroring the family's grief.

We sang the songs of childhood
The family finds solace in the music they grew up with and the memories it brings.

Hymns of faith that made us strong
The family's strong religious beliefs gave them the strength to get through this difficult time.

Ones that mother Maybelle taught us
The family remembers their mother's teachings and how they shaped their lives.

Hear the angels sing along
The family takes comfort in the belief that their mother is with the angels in heaven.