When the World's on Fire is a spiritual from the African-American tradition. The Carter's use the same melody in "Little Darling Pal of Mine."

"When the World's on Fire," which had been recorded as "Rock
of Ages" by Blind Willie Davis, a black singer-guitarist from McComb, Mississippi in May 1928. Probably they learned his version from Leslie Riddle, who showed Maybelle alide guitar which she plays on this selection.

WHEN THE WORLD'S ON FIRE- Carter family 1930

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Oh, my loving mother, when the world's on fire
Don't you want God's bosom to be your pillow
Tide me over in the Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages cleft for me

I'm going to heaven when the world's on fire
And I want God's bosom to be my pillow
Tide me over in the Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages cleft for me

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Oh, my loving brother, when the world's on fire
Don't you want God's bosom to be your pillow
Tide me over in the Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages cleft for me

Oh, my loving sinner, when the world's on fire
Don't you want God's bosom to be your pillow
Tide me over in the Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages cleft for me

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Don't you want to go to heaven when the world's on fire
Don't you want God's bosom to be your pillow
Tide me over in the Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages cleft for me