Over the Next Hill
The Carter Family Anita Carter and Johnny Cash Lyrics

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By the way the land is layin?
I think I?d be safe in sayin?
That over the next hill we?ll be home

It?s a straight and narrow highway
No detours and no byways
And over the next hill we?ll be home

From the prophets I've been hearin?
I would say the end is nearin?
For I see familiar landmarks all along

By the dreams that I've been dreamin?
There will come a great redeemin?
And over the next hill we?ll be home

By the turn the tide is takin'
I would say there's no mistakin?
That over the next hill we?ll be home

there's a place that we are nearin?
That so many have been fearin?
And over the next hill we?ll be home

When we get there we're all hopin?
That we?ll find the gate is open
And there'll be a refuge from the comin? storm

For the way?s been long and weary

But at last the end is nearin?
And over the next hill we?ll be home

Overall Meaning

The song Over The Next Hill by The Carter Family, Anita Carter, and Johnny Cash is a gospel-infused ballad that speaks to the longing for home and redemption. The lyrics speak to the idea that life is a journey and that despite the hardships faced along the way, there is always the hope of reaching a place of safety and comfort. The imagery of the land as a metaphor for the journey is prevalent throughout the song. The singer muses that based on the way the land is laid out, they would be safe in saying that over the next hill they will find their home.

The song alludes to the biblical prophecy of the end times, describing the "familiar landmarks" and "great redeeming" that will soon come. The turn of the tide indicates that the end is near, and the journey is fraught with obstacles, including a place that many fear. However, there is always hope that the gate will be open and that a refuge from the coming storm will be found. The song describes the weariness of the journey but ends with the promise that over the next hill, home is waiting.

Line by Line Meaning

By the way the land is layin?
Judging by the lay of the land

I think I'd be safe in sayin?
I'm fairly certain

That over the next hill we'll be home
Our home is just beyond the next hill

It's a straight and narrow highway
The path is clear and direct

No detours and no byways
No sidetracking or distractions

And over the next hill we'll be home
We're almost there

From the prophets I've been hearin?
Based on the prophecies I've heard

I would say the end is nearin?
I believe the end is coming soon

For I see familiar landmarks all along
I recognize the signs of the end times

By the dreams that I've been dreamin?
Based on my dreams

There will come a great redeemin?
There will be a wonderful salvation