The Carter Family, Johnny Cash, and The Staple Singers are all important names in American music, connected by their deep roots in gospel, country, and folk traditions.

The Carter Family helped shape early country music with their simple, heartfelt songs and harmonies, influencing many artists, including Johnny Cash.

Johnny Cash, known for his deep voice and storytelling, often worked with the Carter Family and brought country music to a wider audience.

Meanwhile, The Staple Singers started as a gospel family group and later blended soul and R&B, using their music to promote messages of faith and social justice.

Together, these artists share a legacy of powerful storytelling, strong faith, and music that connects with people across generations.

About the Song

Can the Circle be Unbroken (Will the Circle Be Unbroken) is a heartfelt gospel song about loss, hope, and the promise of reunion in heaven. Its simple words and moving melody have touched many hearts and made it a favorite in churches and family gatherings.

Can the Circle Be Broken Lyrics by The Carter Family

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

Can the circle be unbroken
By and by Lord, by and by
There’s a better home awaiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

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

Can the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye Lord, bye and bye
There’s a better home awaiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Oh, 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

Can the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye Lord, bye and bye
There’s a better home awaiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

I went back home, Lord, my home was lonesome
Since my mother, she was gone
All my brothers and sisters crying
What a home so sad and alone

Can the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye Lord, bye and bye
There’s a better home awaiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

We sang songs of childhood
Hymns of faith that made us strong
Ones that mother Maybelle taught USB bb
Hear the angels sing along

Will the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye Lord, bye and bye
There’s a better home awaiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Will the Circle Be Unbroken Lyrics by Johnny Cash

Verse 1

I was standing by my window
On one cold and cloudy day
When I saw that hearse come rolling
For to carry my mother away

Chorus

Will the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye Lord, bye and bye
There’s a better home awaiting
In the sky Lord, in the sky

Verse 2

I told the undertaker
“Undertaker, please drive slow
For this body you are hauling
How I hate to see her go”

Chorus

Will the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye Lord, bye and bye
There’s a better home awaiting
In the sky Lord, in the sky

Verse 3

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

Chorus

Will the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye Lord, bye and bye
There’s a better home awaiting
In the sky Lord, in the sky

Will the Circle Be Unbroken Lyrics by The Staple Singers

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

Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, bye and bye?
There’s a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

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

Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, bye and bye?
There’s a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

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

Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, bye and bye?
There’s a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Similar Songs Like Can the Circle Be Unbroken

Here are some more songs by the same artists that carry the same heart, faith, and family message as the original.

• Keep On the Sunny Side: A hopeful song by The Carter Family. It reminds listeners to stay positive and trust that better days will come.
• Daddy Sang Bass: It is a touching Johnny Cash song that talks about family, faith, and singing together even after loved ones are gone.
• Uncloudy Day: A powerful gospel song by The Staple Singers. It describes heaven as a place with no sorrow or pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Origin of Can the Circle Be Unbroken?

The song originated as a Christian hymn in 1907, written by Ada R. Habershon with music by Charles H. Gabriel, later reworked by A.P. Carter.

How has Can the Circle Be Unbroken Evolved Over Time?

The song has been adapted and recorded in various styles, including gospel, bluegrass, folk, and country, by numerous artists, each bringing their unique interpretation.

What Events or Traditions Feature Can the Circle Be Unbroken Prominently?

It is often performed at family memorials and jam sessions and is a regular closing number at the Grand Ole Opry.