Albert E. Brumley was a legendary gospel songwriter known for heartfelt hymns rooted in faith, hope, and simplicity.
Some of his most beloved hits include I’ll Fly Away, Turn Your Radio On, and If We Never Meet Again.
His timeless songs reveal a profound spiritual longing and have become staples in churches and the gospel music genre worldwide.
About the Song
I’ll Fly Away is one of the most beloved gospel hymns in American music. With its gentle melody and uplifting lyrics, the hymn speaks of the soul’s joyful escape from earthly trials to unending peace.
Rooted in Christian hope and longing for heaven, I’ll Fly Away offers comfort, assurance, and a vision of a better world to come.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | 1932 |
| Collection | Wonderful Message |
| Writer | Albert E. Brumley |
I’ll Fly Away Lyrics
Some glad morning when this life is o’er,
I’ll fly away;
To a home on God’s celestial shore,
I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).
Chorus
I’ll fly away, Oh Glory
I’ll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).
When the shadows of this life have gone,
I’ll fly away;
Like a bird from prison bars has flown,
I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away)
Chorus
Just a few more weary days and then,
I’ll fly away;
To a land where joy shall never end,
I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away)
Meaning of the Song
I’ll Fly Away is a deeply spiritual and uplifting hymn that expresses the Christian belief in the soul’s journey to heaven after death.
Written during a time when many people found comfort in music that promised hope beyond life’s hardships, the song uses simple yet powerful imagery to portray death not as an end, but as a joyful release.
Overall, the hymn is a comforting reminder of the Christian hope in resurrection and eternal peace.
It encourages believers to look beyond present trials and trust in the promise of a heavenly home where they will be reunited with God.
History & Story Behind the Hymn
I’ll Fly Away was written by Albert E. Brumley in 1929, during a time when he was working on a cotton farm in Rock Island, Oklahoma.
Brumley, inspired by both his faith and the struggles of rural life, penned the lyrics as a spiritual response to hardship.
He once said the idea came while he was picking cotton and humming the old prison song “If I Had the Wings of an Angel.” This thought of freedom from suffering became the seed for I’ll Fly Away.
The song was officially published in 1932 by the Hartford Music Company, where Brumley worked after attending their music school.
Similar Hymns Like I’ll Fly Away
These hymns, written by Brumley himself, echo the same themes of hope, heaven, and spiritual comfort found in I’ll Fly Away:
- I’ll Meet You in the Morning: Filled with tender hope, this hymn speaks of joyful reunion in heaven, bringing peace to those grieving and faith to those looking toward eternity.
- Jesus, Hold My Hand: This song offers comfort in life’s trials, asking for divine guidance and strength, with heartfelt assurance that one is never walking alone.
- This World Is Not My Home: Echoing a longing for heaven, the hymn reminds listeners that earthly life is temporary, stirring feelings of spiritual homesickness and never-ending hope.
Similar Artists Like Albert E. Brumley
Here are similar artists like Albert E. Brumley, known for their contributions to gospel music and timeless spiritual songs:
- Fanny J. Crosby
Genre: Gospel, Hymns, Christian Worship
Top Work: “Blessed Assurance” - Thomas A. Dorsey
Genre: Gospel, Blues, Christian Spirituals
Top Work:“Take My Hand, Precious Lord” - James D. Vaughan
Genre: Southern Gospel, Shape-Note Singing
Top Work:“The Gospel Chariot”
Frequently Asked Questions
What Inspired Albert Brumley to Write this Song?
Brumley was inspired by the hope of heaven and immortal life, drawing from traditional Christian beliefs about death and spiritual freedom.
What Genre does I’ll Fly Away Belong To?
The song belongs to Southern gospel, country gospel, and traditional American folk music genres, crossing multiple musical boundaries throughout history.
Which Famous Artists have Recorded I’ll Fly Away?
Countless artists, including Alison Krauss, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and many bluegrass and country musicians, have recorded memorable versions.
