CAN THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN?
As recorded by The Carter Family, 1933. (Columbia 20268, Columbia 37669, Conqueror 8529, Perfect 13155)

CHORUS: Can the circle be unbroken,
By and by, Lord, by and by?
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky.

I was standing by the window
On one cold and cloudy day;
And I saw the hearse come rolling
For to carry my mother away.

Lord, I told the undertaker,
"Undertaker, please drive slow,
For this body you are hauling,
Lord, I hate to see her go."

I followed close behind her,
Tried to hold up and be brave,
But I could not hide my sorrow
When they laid her in the grave.

Went back home, Lord. My home was lonesome
Since my mother, she was gone,
All my brothers, sisters crying.
What a home so sad and lone!

Now my mother, she's crossed over
Where so many have gone before;
And I know, Lord, I will meet her
Just waiting at glory's door.

This is the version from the Digital Tradition.