Somebody sang this Austin Lounge Lizards gem at our song circle last week. I was wondering if it's an original tune, or is it a parody of a traditional gospel song?
-Joe Offer-

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THE OTHER SHORE
(Hank Card, Kristen Nelson Card & Conrad Deisler)

As we reach the twilight hours of our fleeting earthly time
And know we will not see the sun tomorrow
We may think with deep regret of all the things we leave behind
But oh, my friends, do not give in to sorrow

    On the other shore, on the other shore
    We will reunite with all the things we ever owned before
    Our single socks will all be to their rightful pairs restored
    We'll meet all our possessions on the other shore

As we near those golden sidewalks floating on the clouds above
Assuming heaven is our destination
We may glance behind for one last look at everything we love
But truly there's no call for reservations

    On the other shore, on the other shore
    We'll have piles and piles of jeans we can't fit into anymore
    We'll wear all those crazy cowboy shirts we got from Fred LaBour
    We'll meet all our possessions on the other shore

We'll find books we bought in college and sold for half-price unread
And sacks and sacks of earring backs lost under someone's bed
And baseball cards and army men and model planes galore
And every tiny plastic high-heel Barbie ever wore

    On the other shore, on the other shore
    We'll have giant storage units free of charge forevermore
    Where our tax receipts will all be saved in bags upon the floor
    We'll meet all our possessions on the other shore

    On the other shore, on the other shore
    We'll find National Geographics from 1974
    Our children's art will cover God's refrigerator door
    We'll meet all our possessions on the other shore

(Highway Cafe Music, BMI/Hot Twang Music, BMI/Southern Melody Pub. Co., BMI)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnZ1STg8UIA