Josephine Cameron: Music

• MP3 short clip, hi-fi play (broadband)
• MP3 short clip, lo-fi play (modem)

Another traditional hymn, the popular first verse to this song was written by A.P. Carter of The Carter Family—the group who in large part made this song the folk standard it is today. The loneliness and loss in this song is somewhat tempered by the hope and belief that the singer will be reunited with her family someday, even if it is not here on this earth. My sister Anna sings on this song, and I feel very lucky that we were able to spend some time together, and to add her gorgeous vocals to the arrangement.

I was standing by my window
On a cold and cloudy day
When I saw that hearse come rollin'
For to carry my mother away

Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
There's a better home a'waitin'
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Well 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'waitin'
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

One by one the seats were emptied
One by one they went away
Now that family, they are parted
Will they meet again someday

Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
There's a better home a'waitin'
In the sky, Lord, in the sky