About a month ago someone requested the lyrics to Joseph Spence's "Won't That Be A Happy Time" (Elektra/Nonesuch 9 79300-2 CD reissue of "The Real Bahamas".

A transcription of the song appears in "Acoustic Guitar" magazine, Jan/Feb 1994 No.22 pp62-64.

I will post the lyrics to the database when I get around to transcribing the melody to MIDI i.e. someday.

Enjoy. I'm a heretic myself but still enjoy singing this religious hymn.

WON'T THAT BE A HAPPY TIME
(Joseph and Louise Spence)

When our life on earth is ended and we reach the other shore,
With our voices sweetly blended with the loved ones gone before,
All the bells of glory then will sweetly chime.

Praising grace our loving saviour with that holy happy throng,
Seeing him to know his favour we will sing the triumph song.
Brother tell me won't that be a happy time?

Won't that be a happy, be a happy time.
Joy will, joy will sweetly(bells of), joy will sweetly chime,
Over yonder in that fair and sunny clime.

All the saints of bygone ages will be there to swell the song,
seeing him to know his favour we will sing the triumph song.
Brother tell me won't that be a happy time, happy time.

There will be no more of sorrow when we reach that lovely place,
On the happy glad tomorrow we shall see our saviour's face,
And shall live with him forever after in the clime.

By the crystal river flowing we shall linger day by day,
Happy there forever knowing that all tears are washed away.
Brother tell me won't that be a happy time.
^^

Line Breaks <br> added.
-Joe Offer-