I'll Fly Away
The Del McCoury Band;Preservation Hall Jazz Band Lyrics

The lyrics to “I’ll Fly Away” by The Del McCoury Band and Preservation Hall Jazz Band describe the hope and excitement of leaving behind the struggles of life and flying away to a better place. The song speaks to the hope and faith in a better future that many people hold on to, especially during difficult times. The lyrics suggest that there is a divine afterlife waiting for us, where there is no pain, no suffering, and true happiness reigns. The song utilizes the metaphor of a bird flying away from a cage to represent the freedom that we will experience in the afterlife.

The chorus acts as a refrain that repeats throughout the song, driving home the central message of the lyrics. The song becomes increasingly enthusiastic as it progresses, with the final verse suggesting that the singer’s time until they fly away is limited, and that soon they will be free from the struggles of this world. The upbeat melody and use of traditional gospel instrumentation like the piano and banjo all contribute to the uplifting nature of the song.

Overall, “I’ll Fly Away” showcases the blend of bluegrass and gospel that characterizes much of The Del McCoury Band and Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s work. It is a song full of hope, faith, and optimism, which has made it a favorite among various communities for decades.