Will the Circle Be Unbroken is a famous old folk song written by AP Carter and performed by the Carter family.
During COVID, our friend requested we play the song for an online concert. Dave and I worked together to rewrite the music and melody. And we liked it. It was kind of a cool vibe. More jazzy. I feel like it fit the lyric a bit better.
The song stuck around with us and the lyrics are so honest as they speak to a moment that none of us ever want to experience - the loss of our mother. You may have experienced this already. And AP Carter (the original songwriter) captures these feelings in such a raw way. When we discussed the album tracks, I felt like this song set the stage well for the concept of Fragile.
Will the Circle Be Unbroken
Lyrics by A.P. Carter
adapted by Jen Hawley
Standing by my window
On a cold and cloudy day
I saw that hearse come rollin’
To carry my mom away
I said to the undertaker,
“Please drive slow”
This lady you are carrying
Lord, I hate to see her go
Will the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye
There’s a better home awaitin’
In the sky Lord, in the sky
Follow close behind her
Tried to hold up and be brave
I could not hide my sorrow
When they laid her in the grave
Will the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye
There’s a better home awaitin’
In the sky Lord, in the sky
Going home was lonesome
My mother she was gone
All my brothers, sisters crying
What a home so sad and lone
Will the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye
There’s a better home awaitin’
In the sky Lord, in the sky
Will the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye
There’s a better home awaitin’
In the sky Lord, in the sky
Jen - vocals, organ (straight tone)
Steve Widenhofer- drums
Matt Williams- bass, additional drums, percussion, piano bass
Dave - acoustic & electric guitars
Thank you Peer Publishing for allowing me to record
my version of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" as a cover.
WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN
A.P. Carter
Peer International Corporation (BMI) © 1935