The album was re-released on Smithsonian Folkways on CD in 1990 with additional tracks from the 1970s.
When I Die
The Doc Watson Family Lyrics
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(When I die), when I die, I'll live again
That I may take part in the jubilation
(When I die), when I die, I'll live again
When I die, when I die, I'll live again
I'll live again, Hallelujah, I'll live again
Because I'm forgiven, my soul will find heaven
The fear of the grave is removed forever
(When I die), when I die, I'll live again
My soul will rejoice in the crystal river
(When I die), when I die, I'll live again
Because of the Lord I have made confession
(When I die), when I die, I'll live again
From now on my soul there is no transgression
(When I die), when I die, I'll live again
In the song "When I Die" by The Doc Watson Family, the singer talks about their belief in salvation and how it gives them hope for a new life after death. They express certainty that they will be part of the jubilation and will live again. They believe that their sins have been forgiven, and their soul will find heaven. The fear of the grave has been removed forever, and their soul will rejoice in the crystal river. The singer mentions that they have made confession to the Lord and have no transgression, which gives them comfort in the knowledge that they will live again after death.
The song's lyrics are rooted in Christian beliefs about death and the afterlife. It is a reminder of the hope that religion offers to believers, that life continues after death. The lyrics express a sense of comfort and reassurance in the singer's faith, knowing that their sins have been forgiven.
Line by Line Meaning
(When I die), when I die, I'll live again
I believe in salvation that will grant me eternal life after death
(When I die), when I die, I'll live again
I'll live again, Hallelujah, I'll live again
I'll live again and rejoice in it because of my faith in salvation
(When I die), when I die, I'll live again
Because I'm forgiven, my soul will find heaven
My forgiven soul will ascend to heaven after death
(When I die), when I die, I'll live again
The fear of the grave is removed forever
My faith has freed me from the fear of death and the grave
(When I die), when I die, I'll live again
My soul will rejoice in the crystal river
After death, my soul will find joy in a beautiful and spiritual place
(When I die), when I die, I'll live again
Because of the Lord I have made confession
I have confessed my sins and have faith in the Lord for salvation
(When I die), when I die, I'll live again
From now on my soul there is no transgression
Because of my faith, my soul will be freed from sin and transgression
Contributed by Charlotte B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.