Lyr Add: When I Take My Vacation In Heaven

Subject: Lyr Add: WHEN I TAKE MY VACATION IN HEAVEN
From: Giac
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 03:20 AM

When Jim Dixon posted lyrics by Tampa Red, I was intrigued to see his parody (When I Take My Vacation In Harlem) of an old gospel song, When I Take My Vacation In Heaven. Had known just the chorus to the latter for more than 50 years and never knew there were verses. A Google search turned up these lyrics and information:

When I Take My Vacation In Heaven copyright 1925 by Herbert Buffum
Words and Melody by Herbert Buffum, 4th vs.R.E.Winsett Harmony by R. E. Winsett
Consigned to R. E. Winsett, reconsigned to Jenkins Music Co., Kansas City, Mo.
(This found in very old hymnal (no cover) by R. E. Winsett, Radio and Revival Special)

WHEN I TAKE MY VACATION IN HEAVEN

Here so many are taking vacation
To the mountains, the lakes or the sea;
Where they rest from their cares and their worries,
What a wonderful time that must be!
But it seems not my lot to be like them,
I must toil thru the heat and the cold,
Seeking out the lost sheep on the mountains,
Bringing wanderers back to the fold.

(CHORUS to the tune of the verses)

When I take my vacation in heaven,
What a wonderful time that will be
Hearing concerts by the heavenly chorus,
And the face of my Savior I'll see
Sitting down by the banks of the river
'Neath the shade of the evergreen tree
I shall rest from my burdens forever,
Won't you spend your vacation with me.

Now some day I shall take my vacation,
To the city John tells us about;
With its foundation walls all so precious,
Where from gladness of heart I shall shout!
O no sights ever witnessed by mortals,
Can compare with the glories up there,
I shall spend my vacation with Jesus,
In the place He went on to prepare.

Chorus

There the weather will always be perfect,
Not a cloud shall sweep over the sky;
And no earthquakes or cyclones shall threaten,
In the land of the "Sweet By and By";
Soon there's going to be an excursion
I am booked for a ride in the air.
You're invited to share my vacation
And the feast with our Bridegroom to share.

Chorus

Here on earth when we take our vacation,
We return to our homes by and by;
When I take my vacation in heaven,
In those mansions of gold in the sky,
I shall dwell with my Savior forever,
With Him sit on His Heavenly Throne;
All the days will be one, long vacation,
When my Savior takes me to His home.

Chorus

Subject: Lyr Add: WHEN I TAKE MY VACATION IN HEAVEN
From: masato sakurai
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 10:47 AM

The Max Hunter Collection version (As sung by Ollie Gilbert, Mountain View, Arkansas on May 26, 1969) is:

VERSE 1
When as many takes their vacation
O'er th mounting, lake or the sea
Where they rest from th care an' their worry
What a wonderful time that must be
But it seems like my lot, to be like them
I must toil thru th heat an' th cold
Seeking out th lost sheep in the mount'n
Bringing wanders back to th fold

CHORUS:
When I take my vacation in Heaven
What a wonderful time that will be
Hear th concert of the Heavenly chorus
An' th face of my Saviour I'll see
Sitting down on th bank of th river
Neath th shade of th evergreen tree
When I take my vacation in Heaven
Won't you spend your vacation with me

VERSE 2
Some day I will take my vacation
To th city, John tells about
Where th foudation walls, all so precious
From th gladness of heart, I shall shout
No sight ever witnessed by mortal
Can compare with it's glory up there
Gon'na spend my vacation with Jesus
In th place he's gone on to prepare

VERSE 3
So many takes their vacation
An' return to their home by an' by
When I take my vacation in Heaven
To th glorious home in th sky
There I'll live forever
No wish for elsewhere to be
When I take my vacation in Heaven
Won't you spent your vacation with me

This song (sometimes titled "Vacation in Heaven") has been also recorded by Johnny Cash, the Blue Sky Boys, Mount Eagle Quartet, Brother Joe May, and Flora Molton.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: When I Take My Vacation In Heaven
From: Giac
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 11:54 AM

Thanks, masato. After all these years of knowing only the chorus, it's good to have two complete versions, or three, if you count Tampa Red's.
~;o)

Mary