The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #31041   Message #410856
Posted By: Stewie
04-Mar-01 - 06:21 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Add: songs by Uncle Dave Macon
Subject: Lyr Add: SHALL WE GATHER AT THE RIVER (Lowry)
Uncle Dave did a fine rendition of Robert Lowry's hymn 'Shall We Gather at the River' with his Fruit Jar Drinkers. They recorded it, and another 15 sides, in New York as the Dixie Sacred Singers. There's a version of 'Shall We Gather' in the DT, but it is somewhat truncated:

DT version

With a few minor changes, Uncle Dave's is closest to the lyrics given in the Pentecostal Online hymnal:

Pentecostal hymnal version

The Cyber Hymnal has a fifth stanza that neither the Pentecostal hymnal nor Uncle Dave use:

Cyber Hymnal version

Uncle Dave's version is as follows:

SHALL WE GATHER AT THE RIVER
(Rev Robert Lowry)

Shall we gather at the river
Where bright angels feet have trod
With its crystal tide forever
Flowing from the throne of God?

Chorus:
Oh, yes, we'll gather at the river
The beautiful, the beautiful river
Gather with the saints at the river
That flows from the throne of God.

On the margin of the river
Washing up its silver spray
We shall walk and worship ever
All the happy golden day.

Chorus

Ere we reach the shining river
Lay we every burden down
Grace our spirits will deliver
And provide a robe and crown.

Chorus

Soon we'll reach the shining river
Then our pilgrimage will cease
Soon our happy hearts will quiver
With the melody of peace

Chorus

Source: transcription of reissue on Uncle Dave Macon 'The Country Music Hall of Fame Series' MCA MCAD-10546. Recorded on 10 May 1927 (Vocalion 5162) in New York City.
PS.