Phenomenal work done by Jim. With a good set of headphones and about 10000 replays using the peerless program audacity, I think I added some more to the transcription. Some of the passages didn't reveal themselves until I cranked in serious mid-frequency equalization and in some cases I tried various filters and speed changes. Even so, 6a still eludes me. If some others pitch in, we should be able to complete the lyrics for the first time in many years. They're too good to lose!


PROMISE TRUE AND GRAND
Booker T. Washington "Bukka" White.
Recorded May 26, 1930

1a. I have read of the promise true and grand,
1b. A wonderful Savior's heavenly land
1c. Where all of his angels dwell with Christ eternally,
1d. Where never a trouble we shall rue,
1e. No trouble of God's ways follow the soul. 
1f. This promise was made for you and me. How long will it be?

2a. How long, blessed Son, oh, will it fear
2b. And tell it our burdens lay waste up there?
2c. How long till I feel that bond frees me?
2d. I shall be whole with the fire that feeds me,
2e. Offers that lovely heavenly home beyond the sea. 

3a. How long must I toil down below?
3b. How long must I cry, cry tears that flow?
3c. How long till I view that Promised Land,
3d. And Johnny with the snow-white angels stand?
3e. Lordy, hear our plea. How long will it be?

4a. In that land of gilt so light,
4b. Where Jesus the lamb will be the night,
4c. That river of life that holds its own will flow so free,
4d. And in the blest city, we are told,
4e. There the streets are paved with the purest gold. 
4f. This promise was made for you and me. How long will it be?

5a. How long blessed smile will appear,
5b. And tell us our burden lay waste up there?
5c. How long till I view that Promised Land,
5d. And Johnny with the snow-white angels stand?
5e. Lordy, hear our plea. How long will it be?

6a. Well, they tell from the ... 
6b. And suffering too we'll all be over. 
6c. We survived our weeks of prison free as the lamb on Calvary. 
6d. We'll meet our deliv'rance on the sand. 
6e. We can join 'em and we'll clasp them by the hand,
6f. This promise was made by you and me. How long will it be?

7a. How long blessed smile will appear
7b. I'm telling how I feel when we confess 
7c. How long till I view that final places
7d. And drive me home with smiling faces,
7e. Up in that lovely heavenly home beyond the sea?

8a. How long must I toil down below?
8b. How long does love will it be?
8c. How long till I view that Promised Land,
8d. And Dolly, with the snow-white angels stand?
8e. Lordy, hear our plea. How long will it be?