Beyond the Sunset
hank williams [as luke the drifter] Lyrics
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I'll live in memory's garden dear with happy days we've known
In spring I'll wait for roses red, when fades the lilacs bloom
And in early fall when brown leaves fall, I'll catch a glimpse of you
Should you go first and I remain, for battles to be fought
Each thing you've touched along the way, will be a hallowed spot
I'll hear your voice I'll see your smile though blindly I may grope
Beyond the sunset, oh blissful morning
When with our savior, heaven is begun
Earth's toiling ended, oh glory dawning
Beyond the sunset when day is done
Should you go first and I remain, to finish with the scroll
No lessening shadows shall ever creep in to make this life seem droll
We've known so much of happiness, we've had our cup of joy
And memory is one gift of God that death cannot destroy
I want to know each step you take that I may walk the same
For someday down that lonely road, you'll hear me call your name
Should you go first and I remain, one thing I'll have you do
Walk slowly down that long long path, for soon I'll follow you
In that fair homeland, we'll know no parting
Beyond the sunset for ever more
These lyrics are a beautiful yet melancholic reflection on the idea that sometimes loved ones must depart this life before us, leaving us to continue on our own. The singer expresses his deep feelings of loss and longing for the one who has passed away, but also reflects on the memories and experiences they shared together. He imagines himself walking down memory lane in a garden full of happy moments, waiting for the roses to bloom in spring and catching glimpses of his beloved in the falling leaves of early fall.
The lyrics suggest that even though the loved one may no longer be physically present, their influence will still be felt in the memories and experiences they shared together. The singer also expresses faith in the idea of an afterlife beyond the sunset, where he and his beloved will be reunited and able to spend eternity together. Ultimately, the message of the song is one of hope and the enduring power of memory and love.
Line by Line Meaning
Should you go first and I remain to walk the road alone
If you were to pass away before me, I would be left to continue on without you by my side.
I'll live in memory's garden dear with happy days we've known
I will cherish the joyful moments we shared and keep them alive in my memories.
In spring I'll wait for roses red, when fades the lilacs bloom
When the lilacs wither away in the spring, I will still look forward to seeing the beauty of the red roses.
And in early fall when brown leaves fall, I'll catch a glimpse of you
Even when the leaves turn brown and start to fall in the early autumn, I will seek your presence and feel your impact.
Each thing you've touched along the way, will be a hallowed spot
Every place you have been and everything you have touched will become a sacred spot, allowing me to feel closer to you.
I'll hear your voice I'll see your smile though blindly I may grope
Even when I am lost or struggling, the memory of your voice and smile will guide me through the darkness.
The memory of your helping hand will buoy me on with hope
The memory of your supportive hand will give me the strength to keep going and persevere, even in the toughest times.
Beyond the sunset, oh blissful morning
There is a bright and joyful future awaiting us after the struggles of life have ended.
When with our savior, heaven is begun
Heaven and eternal peace will be achieved once we are able to reunite with our savior.
Earth's toiling ended, oh glory dawning
The end of the harsh earthly labor will signify the start of a brighter and more glorious future.
Should you go first and I remain, to finish with the scroll
If you were to pass away before me, I will carry on with the legacy we created and finish writing our story.
No lessening shadows shall ever creep in to make this life seem droll
There will be no dullness in my life and no sadness to diminish the light that you brought into it.
We've known so much of happiness, we've had our cup of joy
Our life and love for each other have provided us with so much happiness and joy.
And memory is one gift of God that death cannot destroy
Our memories of each other are an eternal gift from God that can never be taken away.
I want to know each step you take that I may walk the same
I want to follow in your footsteps and continue on the path you have set for us.
For someday down that lonely road, you'll hear me call your name
Eventually, I will join you on the path that leads beyond the sunset, and call out for you as we rejoice together once more.
Should you go first and I remain, one thing I'll have you do
If you pass away before me, there is something I would like to ask of you.
Walk slowly down that long long path, for soon I'll follow you
Please take your time on the path towards eternal peace, for I will soon catch up to you and join you on that journey.
In that fair homeland, we'll know no parting
Once we reach our eternal home, we will never have to part and will be together forever.
Beyond the sunset for ever more
Our journey will continue beyond the sunset and into an everlasting future of happiness and joy.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BLANCHE KERR BROCK, VIRGIL P. BROCK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@thomasfawcett3204
Should you go first and I remain to walk the road alone
I'll live in memory's garden dear with happy days we've known
In spring I'll wait for roses red, when fades the lilacs blue
And in early fall when brown leaves fall, I'll catch a glimpse of you
Should you go first and I remain, for battles to be fought
Each thing you've touched along the way, will be a hallowed spot
I'll hear your voice I'll see your smile though blindly I may grope
The memory of your helping hand will buoy me on with hope
Beyond the sunset, oh blissful morning
When with our savior, heaven is begun
Earth's toiling ended, oh glory dawning
Beyond the sunset when day is done
Should you go first and I remain, to finish with the scroll
No lessening shadows shall ever creep in to make this life seem droll
We've known so much of happiness, we've had our cup of joy
And memory is one gift of God that death cannot destroy
I want to know each step you take that I may walk the same
For someday down that lonely road, you'll hear me call your name
Should you go first and I remain, one thing I'll have you do
Walk slowly down that long long path, for soon I'll follow you
In that fair homeland, we'll know no parting
Beyond the sunset for ever more
@bertad.1555
I just heard this song for the first time. It was played for my Great Grandfather's funeral in 1966. I never met him but now feel connected to him because I enjoyed this song. Until we meet ❤ love you Popper!
@user-go6up2eb1p
I had the privilege of V. Brooke being in our church in Rives Junction, MI in the late 1970's and able to hear him sing this beautiful song he wrote, with his wife in 1939. The song is timeless.
@clendenenjames8804
JESUS HAS GONE BEFORE I HAVE, I HOPE THAT JESUS WILL REMEMBER ME 🙏
@genepuchi5612
I heard this at a funeral two weeks ago. My wife of 55+years passed away 5 months ago and when I heard it I could not stop crying..I play in her memory often. Thanks Hank for this moving song. Gene. Pgh Pa.
@lordelpus2099
So sorry for your loss.
@jameskilburn2618
When you have been married for 55 years, this has real meaning. Hard to imagine being alone.
@jasonking2943
My grandparents have been married 75 will be 76 in June and my grandfathet is spending his final hours in the hospital away from his bride due to covid restrictions. Very said just don't seem fair at all
@LydiLouiKats
My Husband Just Passed Away! 09.25.2022! We were married (50) years! I chose these words on the Prayer Card! I asked the Google Machine Who wrote those words I found out here obviously! I did not know it was a song! And like you said being married 55 years this song sure does have real meaning! And it's not easy being alone! 😥
@jweaver9242
When you have been together for 64 rears, memories are wonderful, but parting is so hard to do,it thank GOD , it’s only temporary!
@LonnaBaby
My grandma just lost her husband of 67 years.. she had the pastor play this at his funeral… i am praying … because she is very heartbroken ❤