This is a hymn written in 1907 by Ada R. Habershon with music by Charles H. Gabriel. There is a later version written by the Carter family used as a funeral hymn.
I remember singing that version at the wedding ceremony of Rita Coolidge and Kris Kristofferson in Malibu – 1973
Lyrics:
[G] There are loved ones in the glory
[C] Whose dear forms you often [G] miss
When you close your earthly [Em]story
[G] Will you join them in [D] their [G] bliss?
[G] There are loved ones in the glory
[C] Whose dear forms you often [G] miss
When you close your earthly [Em]story
[G] Will you join them in [D] their [G] bliss?
CHORUS: [G] Will the circle be unbroken
[C] By and by, [G] by and by
Is a better home [Em] a-waiting
[G] Om the sky Lord [D] in the [G] sky?
In the Joyous days of childhood
Oft they told of wondrous love
Pointed to the dying Saviour
Now they dwell with Him above
CHORUS:
You can picture happy gatherings
Round the fireside long ago
And you think of tearful partings
When they left you here below
CHORUS:
One by one their seats were emptied
One by one they went away
Now the family is parted
Will it be complete one day?
CHORUS: