The band's best-known song was a 1970 cover of Jerry Jeff Walker's folk song "Mr. Bojangles". Their greatest critical acclaim has been for a 1972 album of country and folk standards, recorded in Nashville in collaboration with more traditional country artists, entitled "Will the Circle Be Unbroken".
"Will the Circle be Unbroken" was a collaboration album recorded in 1972 by the Dirt band with traditional artists such as Mother Maybelle Carter, Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, Roy Acuff, Merle Watson, Jimmy Martin, Junior Huskey, Norman Blake, and Pete Oswald Kirby (known to Grand Ole Opry fans as Bashful Brother Oswald). Vassar Clements, not widely known then, was tapped for fiddle duties which led to greater notoriety and success for him.
"Will the Circle be Unbroken" featured classic bluegrass and folk standards written by A.P Carter, Doc Watson and others. The title comes from the song of the same name but indicates what the Dirt Band was trying to achieve. The long-haired boys from California were making an effort to reach out to the older veterans of American music and unite them in a divided America. Two other editions were released, one in the 1980s and another after September 11, 2001.
In July 1974 The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was one of the headline acts at The Ozark Music Festival, at the Missouri State Fairgrounds, in Sedalia, Missouri. Some estimates have put the crowd count at 350,000 people, which would make this one of the largest music events in history.
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's peak in popularity – at least on the radio — came during the mid- to late-1980s, when they charted a string of successful songs. Among the lot were three No. 1 singles: "Long Hard Road (The Sharecropper's Dream)" (1984); "Modern Day Romance" (1985); and "Fishin' in the Dark" (1987). Other successful songs were "Dance Little Jean" (1983); "I Love Only You" (1984); "High Horse" (1985); "Home Again in My Heart," "Partners, Brothers and Friends" and "Stand a Little Rain" (1986); "Fire in the Sky," "Baby's Got a Hold on Me" and "Oh What a Love" (1987); "Working Man (Nowhere to Go)" and "I've Been Lookin'" (1988); and "Down That Road Tonight" and "When it's Gone" (1989).
The current members are:
* Bob Carpenter - keyboard, accordion, bass, and vocals (1977-present)
* Jimmie Fadden - drums, harmonica,guitar, washtub bass, jug and vocals (1966-present)
* Jeff Hanna - guitar, mandolin, drums, harmonica, bass, washboard, jug and vocals (1966-present)
* John McEuen - banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, accordion washtub bass and vocals (1966-1986 & 2001-present)
Former members:
* Ralph Barr - guitar, clarinet and vocals (1966-1968)
* Merel Bregante - drums and percussion (1977-1979)
* Jackson Browne - guitar and vocals (1966)
* John Cable - guitar, bass and vocals (1976-1977)
* Jackie Clark - guitar, bass and vocals (1976-1977)
* Chris Darrow - fiddle, guitar, mandolin and vocals (1967-1968)
* Michael Gardner - drums (1980-1981)
* Al Garth - saxophone, fiddle, keyboard, percussion and vocals (1977-1981)
* Richard Hathaway - bass and vocals (1977-1981)
* Jimmy Ibbotson - guitar, bass, mandolin, piano, accordion, drums, flute and vocals (1968-1975 & 1982-2004)
* Bruce Kunkel - guitar, kazoo, vocals (1966-1967)
* Bernie Leadon - guitar, banjo, mandolin and vocals (1987-1989)
* Vic Mastrianni - drums (1980-1981)
* Les Thompson - guitar, bass, mandolin and vocals (1966-1973)
Will The Circle Be Unbroken
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On one cold and cloudy day
When I saw that hearse come rolling
For to carry my mother away
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
There's a better home a-waiting
Oh, I told that undertaker
Undertaker please drive slow
For this body you are holding
Lord, I hate to see her go
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky
I will follow close behind her
Tried to hold up and be brave
But I could not hide my sorrow
When they laid her in the grave
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky
I went back home Lord, my home was lonesome
Missed my mother, she was gone
All of my brothers, sisters crying
What a home so sad and lone
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" is a traditional Christian hymn sung at funerals. The lyrics speak of loss, mourning, and the hope of an eternal home in heaven. The singer is grieving the loss of his mother and watching the hearse take her away. He hopes that the circle - the unbreakable bond of love and family - will stay intact even after death. The repeated refrain, "Will the circle be unbroken," serves as a reminder that their separation is only temporary, as they will all be reunited in heaven.
The reference to the undertaker driving slow is a subtle nod to the custom of funeral processions walking slowly and solemnly to the graveyard. The singer wishes to pay his respect to his mother as she makes her final journey. He then follows the hearse and watches as they bury his mother. He is filled with pain and sorrow, feeling the emptiness of his now-lonely home. Despite the loss, he holds on to the hope of the eternal life that awaits him and his mother in heaven.
Overall, "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" is a poignant tribute to the power of family and faith during times of loss and mourning. The song has resonated with audiences for generations and serves as a reminder that, in death, we are never truly alone.
Line by Line Meaning
I was standing by my window
I was standing near my window looking out.
On one cold and cloudy day
It was a dark and chilly day.
When I saw that hearse come rolling
I saw a hearse moving slowly.
For to carry my mother away
It was on its way to take my mother's body to her final resting place.
Will the circle be unbroken
Will our family and friends stay together even in death?
By and by, Lord, by and by
Eventually, in the future.
There's a better home a-waiting
Heaven.
In the sky, Lord, in the sky
In heaven above.
Oh, I told that undertaker
I asked the funeral director.
Undertaker please drive slow
Please do not speed while carrying my mother's body.
For this body you are holding
The body of my mother you are carrying.
Lord, I hate to see her go
I really do not want to say goodbye to her forever.
I will follow close behind her
I will walk directly behind her casket.
Tried to hold up and be brave
I tried to be strong even though it was difficult.
But I could not hide my sorrow
I could not pretend I was not sad.
When they laid her in the grave
When they put her casket in the ground.
I went back home Lord, my home was lonesome
When I went back to my house, it was very sad and empty without my mother there.
Missed my mother, she was gone
I really missed my mother who had passed away.
All of my brothers, sisters crying
My siblings were all crying and upset.
What a home so sad and lone
Our home was so sad and empty without our mother there.
Will the circle be unbroken
Will our family and friends stay together even in death?
By and by, Lord, by and by
Eventually, in the future.
There's a better home a-waiting
Heaven.
In the sky, Lord, in the sky
In heaven above.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Roy Acuff
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@IDSInfoVideo
I was standing by my window
On one cold and cloudy day
When I saw that hearse come rolling
For to carry my mother away
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky
I said to that undertaker
Undertaker please drive slow
For this lady you are carrying
Lord, I hate to see her go
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky
Oh, I followed close behind her
Tried to hold up and be brave
But I could not hide my sorrow
When they laid her in the grave
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky
I went back home, my home was lonesome
Missed my mother, she was gone
All of my brothers, sisters crying
What a home so sad and lone
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky
We sang the songs of childhood
Hymns of faith that made us strong
Ones that Mother Maybelle taught us
Hear the angels sing along
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky
@BLACKLACDTS
R.I.P MomMom.
Billie Geraldine Mullins
Nov 7,1929 - Dec 21,2020
Born in Pen Gap Kentucky, was called to Heaven In White Marsh Maryland.
We love and Miss you..
@whitesnake4561
My wife of 49 years passed away from lung cancer. Two years ago. I play this song every night. Brings tears to my eyes but makes me feel better afterwards.
@deborahclark9282
Bless ur heart❤
@user-gt4ph4dd1m
Lost mine three and a half years ago brother know where you're at now
@hannahgrace2884
My mother passed away from aggressive cancer this past year. I thank God for giving me the strength to get through it without her. I was very close to her, and as a teenager I haven't been more than 1 week at a time from her. He has been so gracious to me, for I had turned and forgot about Him. But He showed mercy and called me back, and now I am at peace & stronger in faith than ever 🔥
#kidneycancerawarness🧡🖤
@tiffanyholden8383
I lost my mom to cancer, and she use to sing to me when I was little kid.
@zviskovic9394
Psalm 103:17 But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him.
His salvation extends to the children’s children.
@mundrubjet
Retired US Army Sergeant...Stood on the battlefields of Iraq in 06 and all of 07. Saw some friends die. Never had this kind of family. Wish I had. But I see here the love and good spirit...a snapshot of good things to come...The circle will indeed be unbroken...The Lord, Our God will see to it...Hoooaaaahhh!!! Old Guard...
@adifferentbanjoguy9603
Retired Army as well. Afghanistan '09, and an atheist, but I grew up on this music and I still love the soulful nature of it. Something about it just makes the hair stand on end...
@mundrubjet
11Bravo says it all to me. Why is the sky blue?? Because God loves the Infantry!! What makes the green grass grow?? Blood!! Blood!! Blood!!
I feel you, my brother. I hope you will give God a chance. John 3:3, Jesus said, "No man can see the Kingdom of Heaven, Lest he be born again..." The book of Romans explains how to become "Born again" Know this, the 1st birth is of the flesh (water)... the 2nd birth is spiritual. You must have this 2nd birth to go to Heaven. Soldier, follow the instructions of the Field Manual and obey your lawful order. In your heart, you know it is just, true and right. When this life is over, you will stand tall before the Man. And He will require you to account for your actions. Do not let Him down. Hope to spend eternity with you, my 11Bravo brother. Manchu, Keep Up The Fire....