I'Ll Be Rested When The Roll Is Called
Ry Cooder Lyrics


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I'll be rested when the roll is called
I'll be rested when the roll is called
I'll be rested in the kingdom of heaven
I'll be rested when the roll is called

See my elder
No more shouting
No more crying
See my mother




When the roll is called
I'll be rested when the roll is called

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Ry Cooder's "I'll Be Rested When The Roll Is Called" are rooted in the concept of Christian eschatology, which teaches about the end of the world, judgment, and the afterlife. The lyrics suggest that the singer hopes to attain a state of rest and peace when they are called to join God's kingdom in the afterlife. The repetition of the line, "I'll be rested when the roll is called," emphasizes this hope for peace and quietude, and the idea that the singer is at peace with their fate.


The lyrics then turn to the singer's family members: they mention their elder, possibly referring to an older relative or spiritual leader, and express a desire to see their mother again. The repeated lines of "No more shouting, no more crying" may suggest that the singer and their community have faced difficult times but that they hope for a better future in heaven. The final lines reiterate the hope of rest and comfort when the singer's time comes.


Overall, the song is a poignant expression of faith and hope in the face of mortality. The desire for rest and peace is a common human longing, and the lyrics beautifully convey this desire in the context of Christian belief.


Line by Line Meaning

I'll be rested when the roll is called
I will finally find rest and comfort when my time on Earth ends and my name is summoned in heaven.


I'll be rested in the kingdom of heaven
I will find solace and peace in the realm of heaven after a lifetime of struggles and hardships.


See my elder
I am looking forward to reuniting with my elderly loved ones who have already passed away and are now in heaven.


No more shouting
There won't be any need for loud, frantic voices in the calm and serene environment of the afterlife.


No more crying
There won't be any need for tears or grief in the perfect and harmonious setting of heaven.


See my mother
I am eagerly anticipating reuniting with my mother, who has passed away and now resides in heaven.


When the roll is called
When the list of names to enter heaven is read out, I will be there, ready and at peace.




Lyrics © MADISON LEISURE CORP.
Written by: BLIND ROOSEVELT GRAVES, RYLAND PETER COODER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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