Lyr Req: Will the circle be unbroken?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the circle be unbroken?
From: Cluin
Date: 19 Apr 08 - 01:14 PM

I sang this one at my Dad's funeral service yesterday, after "Wayfaring Stranger" and Ian Tyson's "Friends of Mine", for everybody to join in on the chorus. (They were all songs my Dad had played and sang often).

But as the regular verses of "Circle" were a bit too dreary for an actual funeral, I only did the first two ("I was standing..." and "I said to the undertaker...") and wrote a new verse to wrap up as a third:

then the rain broke and the clouds cleared
and the sun came shining through
I saw a rainbow, bright and beautiful
with the promise of life anew

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the circle be unbroken?
From: Bluegrassman
Date: 18 Jan 08 - 07:57 PM

With a few slight variations the lyrics in the preceding posts are the ones I sing. However, on the cd "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and guests the last two lines of the last verse are

   ...Songs that Mother Maybelle taught us
      And the angels (will?) sing along.

Can anyone supply the two missing lines?

Hows about these words

We sang the songs of our childhood
Hymns of faith that made us strong
Songs that Mother Maybelle taught us
And the angels sang our song

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the circle be unbroken?
From: topical tom
Date: 15 Jan 08 - 11:38 AM

With a few slight variations the lyrics in the preceding posts are the ones I sing. However, on the cd "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and guests the last two lines of the last verse are

   ...Songs that Mother Maybelle taught us
      And the angels (will?) sing along.

Can anyone supply the two missing lines?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the circle be unbroken?
From: GUEST,Yuki
Date: 14 Jan 08 - 09:26 PM

This is the lyrics from the movie version for those who were wanting them. I'm listening to it right now, so I have the right ones:

I was standing by my window,
On a cold and cloudy day.
When I saw that hearse come rolling,
for to carry my mother away.

Will the circle be unbroken,
By and by, Lord, by and by?
There's a better home a-waitin'
in the sky, Lord, in the sky.

Lord, I told that undertaker,
"Undertaker, please drive slow.
For this body you are hauling,
Lord I'd hate to see her roll."

Will the circle be unbroken,
By and by, Lord, by and by?
There's a better home a-waitin'
In the sky, Lord, in the sky.

I will follow close behind her,
Try to hold up and be brave.
But I could not Hide my sorrow,
When they laid her in the grave.

Will the circle be unbroken,
By and by, Lord, by and by?
There's a better home a-waitin
in the sky, Lord, in the sky.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the circle be unbroken?
From: Slag
Date: 22 Jul 06 - 12:39 PM

"... In the pie Lord, in the pie."

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the circle be unbroken?
From: Slag
Date: 22 Jul 06 - 02:03 AM

"Daddy said 'Grace' and Mamma cooked dinner.
Me and little brother would dig right in there."

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the circle be unbroken?
From: GUEST,WyrdWyrdWyrd
Date: 21 Jul 06 - 10:59 PM

Hey, thanks for the lyrics, Abuwood. I've been looking for the turtle lyrics for a long time. :-)

--
Furry cows moo and decompress.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the circle be unbroken?
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Mar 06 - 07:56 PM

Thank you for your knowledge of the gospel. I have been looking for this for a minute now.

Subject: Lyr Add: WILL THE TURTLE BE UNBROKEN? (Les Barker)
From: Abuwood
Date: 05 Mar 04 - 03:09 AM

I like Les Barkers version...
Myrtle Turtle
I have bought a small apartment in a lonely part of town
There are 27 stories, it's a long way from the ground

There I live with my friend Myrtle my companion my best friend
She ain't human she's a turtle and I love her till the end

Well she was standing by my window on a cold and cloudy day
When some wild and wilful wind blew my poor Myrtle clean away
Will the turtle be unbroken By and By Lord By and By
Lord help Myrtle as she hurtles through the sky Lord through the sky

I ran downstairs, I was crying, I must find her I must know
My poor Myrtle would be lying several hundred feet below
Will the turtle be unbroken By and By Lord By and By
Lord help Myrtle as she hurtles through the sky Lord through the sky

Was she sundered into sections as her shell fell to the ground?
Would I find 200 plectrums? My poor Myrtle all around?
Will the turtle be unbroken By and By Lord By and By
Lord help Myrtle as she hurtles through the sky Lord through the sky
LEAD BREAK
Oh caretaker, Oh caretaker, why do you lie there stone cold dead?
Poor man went to meet his Maker, something landed on his head.
And the turtle was unbroken By and By Lord By and By
For you guided my friend Myrtle through the sky Lord through the sky

Undertaker Oh undertaker, lay that poor man in his grave
Good Lord took that undertaker but my best friend she was saved.
Yes the turtle was unbroken By and By Lord By and By
For you guided my friend Myrtle through the sky Lord through the sky x2

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the circle be unbroken?
From: GUEST,Nathalie
Date: 04 Mar 04 - 07:41 PM

I love the TV Movie "Iron Jawed Angels". It was a wonderful surprise to hear the song my mother used to sing us when we were little being used in such a moving manner...

I'm saddened that the soundtrack won't be out till summer...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the circle be unbroken?
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Feb 04 - 01:57 AM

Ops I meant on the tv movie Iron Jawed Angels, sorry.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the circle be unbroken?
From: GUEST,Dnelle
Date: 24 Feb 04 - 01:56 AM

Who sings it at the end of the credits?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the circle be unbroken?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 01:06 PM

For the original by Ada Habershon, music by Charles H. Gabriel, go to the Cyberhymnal (with midi): Original Circle

Cyberhymnal is looking for a picture of Ada Habershon and information about her life. They would also like to know when the song was composed; before 1908 is their only date.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the circle be unbroken?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 12:56 PM

See thread 2479 for more information: Circle
Habershon was the original, Fanny Crosby ca. 1907, A. P. Carter after WW1 (1930s). Haven't seen the movie, but the Carter version would be wrong for the period.
George Seto provided a link to the Fanny Crosby version (may not be completely accurate) in thread 36619: Fanny

The Grand Old Opry traditionally used the Crosby version, but I seem to remember it evolved into the Carter version

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the circle be unbroken?
From:
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 11:54 AM

Gina, have a look at some of the other threads here.

You might find the information you need there. Enjoy the search.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the circle be unbroken?
From: GUEST,Gina
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 12:35 AM

For those who have seen "Iron Jawed Angels", isn't the version the women sang in prison of "Will/may/Can/Whatever the Circle Be Unbroken" incorrect for that time period? In the credits,the version sung is attributed to AP Carter.... The movie was set during the WWI era. The lyrics they sing are nothing like Fanny Crosby's or Ada Habershon circa 1907/08...can anyone enlighten me? my email address is [e-mail] thank you!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the Circle Be Unbroken
From: GUEST,bobby
Date: 15 Oct 03 - 07:44 AM

thanks masato! i believe it could be just one of the listed though i won't be sure enough until i hear the clip. but hey - that's a lot of help already. thanks very much!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the Circle Be Unbroken
From: masato sakurai
Date: 14 Oct 03 - 08:57 AM

Bobby, HERE's a list of "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" recordings. Might be the Blue Sky Boys, but I don't have theirs.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the Circle Be Unbroken
From: GUEST,bobby
Date: 14 Oct 03 - 08:24 AM

incidentally, maybe an earlier version by the monroe brothers?

thanks so much

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the Circle Be Unbroken
From: GUEST,bobby
Date: 14 Oct 03 - 08:22 AM

arigato masato.
monroe brothers does sound very much like it though it's not exactly the version in my mind. would you think arlo guthrie and pete seeger be the one? i've been searching for the clip but no result so far.
could you possibly have any lead please?

many thanks

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the Circle Be Unbroken
From: masato sakurai
Date: 13 Oct 03 - 11:19 PM

Bobby, isn't it by the Monroe Brothers? Sound clip is HERE.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the Circle Be Unbroken
From: GUEST,bobby
Date: 13 Oct 03 - 10:35 PM

many thanks for the links. i've been doing a lot of searches recently and managed to hear a range of versions ( such as nitty gritty dirt band, ricky skaggs, allman brothers, willie nelson, staple singers, george jones, gene harris, jeff buckley, marty robbins, carter family, roy acuff, aaron neville, bryan white, jonny cash, jerry lee lewis, etc) but NONE of them fits my memory. the recording (cassette tape) was bought in japan and i think it was called Standard Collection. the song starts with "there are loved ones in the glory..." and there are other country oldies like Silver Wings, Dear John, etc.

this search has really got me hooked.

DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY CLUE AT ALL, PLEASE?

email me to [e-mail] please. i will be very very grateful

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the Circle Be Unbroken
From:
Date: 05 Sep 03 - 06:20 PM

BEst is to search on the 'net. Google or any of the search engines will give a number of places to get one. No idea who it was you wanted as the description of the group is too vague.

HEre are two sources.

Will the Circle Be Unbroken - Audio Clip Available
Richard Hefner - Will the Circle Be Unbroken - Audio file available

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the Circle Be Unbroken
From: GUEST,Is there mp3 version?
Date: 05 Sep 03 - 06:07 PM

Thanks I've got that lyrics already. I was really looking for the cd or cassette tape, or even mp3 downloadable from internet. Any clues?
Many thanks!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the circle be unbroken?
From:
Date: 31 Jan 03 - 02:11 AM

My family always sang it as May the circle, although we heard it in public as Will the circle. The first seems a request, the latter a question. As a kid, I always thought of the circle as the cycle - of life - the unfortunate outcome being death, for those of us left behind, and those of us contemplating our futures. Thus the unanswered request, or question.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Will the circle be unbroken?
From: Neighmond
Date: 18 Jan 03 - 10:51 PM

Jerry,is that the one that goes :

"My latest sun is sinking fast, my race is nearly run!"? That's a really pretty song.

I am going to do "Will the circle be unbroken?" for My mother too,
She wants "Rock of Ages", but that seems to be the death knell song for our family. Each time I hear it someone dies or has just died. Oh well

FWIW

Chaz

Subject: RE: Will the circle be unbroken?? Lyrics, please
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 17 Jan 03 - 09:02 PM

Rangeroger: My Mother, who is 95, has asked that I sing that song at her funeral. I don't know if I can do it... I understand what you're saying. She's still in good health, and sharp as the average thirty year old (and twice as sharp as the average teenager.) Hope I have more time before I have to face that..

The other song she has asked for is Angel Band...

Jerry

Subject: RE: Will the circle be unbroken?? Lyrics, please
From: rangeroger
Date: 17 Jan 03 - 08:44 PM

My mother died last November and I sang this at her memorial services. Pretty rough going but it was worth it.

rr

Subject: RE: Will the circle be unbroken?? Lyrics, please
From: GUEST,Bill
Date: 17 Jan 03 - 07:58 PM

Go and see Derek Brimstone he does the Les Barker parody it's better than the original.
Bill (the sound)

Subject: RE: Will the circle be unbroken?? Lyrics, please
From: GUEST,Q
Date: 17 Jan 03 - 01:24 PM

The original of "Will the Circle be Unbroken" was posted by Gene in thread 2479: Will the Circle

According to Cyberhymnal, the song was written sometime before 1908. The words are by Ada R. Habershon and music by Charles H. Gabriel. Ada Hahershon wrote over 200 songs, but little is known about her. ?Dates of birth and death? Cyberhymnal is looking for a photograph. Will the Circle
A shortened version by Fannie Crosby, used regularly on the Grand Old Opry, is the one many people know.

"Can the Circle Be Unbroken" apparently is a rewrite by the Carters. Many others have mixed up the titles, and written revisions of their own.

Subject: RE: Will the circle be unbroken?? Lyrics, please
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 16 Jan 03 - 02:01 PM

I just put together a CD of black and white gospel.. The Carter Family recorded it as "Can the Circle.." and the Staples Singers recorded it as "Will the circle.. There are other minor differences
in the verses, which shouldn't be all that surprising to folkies..

Jerry

Subject: RE: Will the circle be unbroken?? Lyrics, please
From: ossonflags
Date: 16 Jan 03 - 08:28 AM

will? can? may? whatever is your preferance,must admit the version above is the one I sing.
main thing is to get out there and sing it!!!

Subject: RE: Will the circle be unbroken?? Lyrics, please
From: BusbitterfraeScotland
Date: 16 Jan 03 - 04:06 AM

I sing in a small group and I sing 'Will the circle be unbroken' because that's the way I learnt it, it's also published in a songbook called 'rise up singing' and they print the words as 'will the circle be unbroken' as well.

Subject: RE: Will the circle be unbroken?? Lyrics, please
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Jan 03 - 12:20 AM

My grandmother has always sang it "May the circle. . ." she has a phonograph record from the early 1900's that also has "May. . ."

Subject: RE: Will the circle be unbroken?? Lyrics, please
From: Joe Offer
Date: 16 Aug 98 - 08:43 PM

Anything else you'd like to share with us, Seed???
[grin]
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Will the circle be unbroken?? Lyrics, please
From: BSeed
Date: 16 Aug 98 - 07:57 PM

re can and will:

I once searched unsuccessfully for "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?," then learned that it's listed under "Can the Circle...?" My regular group of jammers have argued over which it should be, one insisting that the Carter Family did it "Can" and so should we. I dunno, but the two words seem to have contradictory meanings, and I come down on the side of "will" which implies a future that is already planned, whereas "can" seems to imply that it hasn't been that way in the past, but maybe God will grant it if we ask him nicely enough.

Another question I have about the subject: what circle are we talking about? For the poetic speaker of the song, it seems to be Momma and Daddy and the kids, but what if Momma wants to be with her siblings and her parents, who want to be with their siblings and their parents...? And if they're all together, through the generations, how about ages? If families are reunited in heaven, will the kids recognize their mom, who will be her favorite age. This is all really, really dumb, seed. Shut the heck up.

Subject: RE: Will the circle be unbroken?? Lyrics, please
From: Roger Himler
Date: 16 Aug 98 - 05:14 PM

Zorro and " ". Some hints on the Mudcat. There is a search engine for the Digital Tradition in blue at the upper right hand corner of this page. If you type a distinctive phrase from the song you are searching for and put it in brackets [ ], you will find if the song is in the DT. As Joe Offer has instructed, often the distinctive phrase is better than the title since we often don't have the same title for the song. So in this case, I typed in [circle be unbroken] and the song came up right away. The brackets make the DT search for that exact phrase, otherwise I would have gotten all the songs with the words "circle", "be", and "unbroken" in my search (and I bet that would be way too many to look through.

Happy to be of service! Keep on 'Cattin'.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: Lyr Add: CAN THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN? (Carter Famil
From:
Date: 16 Aug 98 - 12:22 PM

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.

Subject: Will the circle be unbroken?? Lyrics, please
From: Zorro
Date: 16 Aug 98 - 10:34 AM

Well, I've tried everywhere, but then maybe not... I know some mad cat or mud kitten will know the lyrics to this well known gospel song. Please and thank you...!