Josiah K. Alwood was a gospel artist and hymn writer whose music career began in the late 1800s. He served as a minister and used his musical talent to share messages of faith and hope.
His compositions gained popularity in churches across the country and became an essential part of American gospel traditions.
Though he did not receive major music awards during his lifetime, his hymns continued to inspire generations long after his passing.
Alwood’s contribution to religious music made a lasting impact, demonstrating the power of simple melodies and heartfelt lyrics in touching people’s lives.
About the Song
Uncloudy Day is a hopeful gospel song that talks about a beautiful place beyond the skies where there are no clouds, sorrow, or pain.
It paints a peaceful picture of heaven, where everything is bright, joyful, and free from life’s troubles.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released Date | 1879 (published in 1885) |
| Album | Not originally part of an album; hymn published in Christian Conservator (1885) |
| Writer | Josiah K. Alwood |
| Producer | Not applicable (traditional hymn) |
History and Background
In 1879, Reverend Josiah Kelley Alwood was moved by a rare and beautiful sight, a moonlit rainbow shining through dark clouds during a quiet journey home.
Deeply inspired by the peaceful scene, he soon composed the lyrics and melody of Uncloudy Day. The hymn paints a vivid image of a calm, heavenly place beyond life’s storms, offering a message of hope, comfort, and eternal peace.
It quickly found a place in church hymnals across the country and has been embraced by generations of gospel and folk artists. To this day, its timeless message continues to uplift and inspire listeners.
Uncloudy Day Lyrics by Josiah K. Alwood
Verse 1
O they tell me of a home
Far beyond the skies
They tell me
Of a home far away
O they tell me of a home
Where no storm clouds rise
O they tell me
Of an unclouded day
Chorus
O the land of cloudless day
O the land of an unclouded sky
O they tell me of a home
Where no storm clouds rise
O they tell me
Of an unclouded day
Verse 2
Well they tell me that He smiles
On His children there
And His smile
Drives their sorrow all away
And they tell me
That no tears ever come again
In that lovely land
Of unclouded day
Chorus
O the land of cloudless day
O the land of an unclouded sky
O they tell me of a home
Where no storm clouds rise
O they tell me
Of an unclouded day
Repeat chorus
Various Versions of Uncloudy Day
Below are notable versions of Uncloudy Day, each offering a unique musical style while preserving the hymn’s timeless message of peace, faith, and hope.
1. Uncloudy Day Lyrics by Willie Nelson
Verse 1
Oh, they tell me of a home far beyond the skies
Oh, they tell me of a home far away
Oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise
Oh, they tell me of an unclouded day
Chorus
Oh, the land of cloudless day
Oh, the land of an unclouded day
Oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise
Oh, they tell me of an unclouded day
Verse 2
Oh, they tell me of a home where my friends have gone
Oh, they tell me of that land far away
Where the tree of life in eternal bloom
Sheds its fragrance through the unclouded day
Chorus
Oh, the land of cloudless day
Oh, the land of an unclouded day
Oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise
Oh, they tell me of an unclouded day
Verse 3
Oh, they tell me of a King in His beauty there
And they tell me that mine eyes shall behold
Where He sits on the throne that is whiter than snow
In the city that is made of gold
Chorus
Oh, the land of cloudless day
Oh, the land of an unclouded day
Oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise
Oh, they tell me of an unclouded day
Verse 4
Oh, they tell me that He smiles on His children there
And His smile drives their sorrows all away
And they tell me that no tears ever come again
In that lovely land of unclouded day
Chorus
Oh, the land of cloudless day
Oh, the land of an unclouded day
Oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise
Oh, they tell me of an unclouded day
2. Uncloudy Day Lyrics by Doc Watson
They tell me of a place far beyond the skies
They tell me of a home far away
Yes they tell me of a land where no storm clouds rise
Oh they tell me of an uncloudy day
Chorus
Oh that land of cloudless days
Oh the land of an uncloudy sky
Yes they tell me of a place where no storm clouds rise
Oh they tell me of an uncloudy day
Verse 2
They tell me of a land where my friends have gone
And thеy tell me that my eyеs shall behold
Heaven’s King as he sets on his snow-white throne
In that city that is paved with gold
Chorus
Oh the land of cloudless days
Oh that land of an unclouded sky
Yes they tell me of a place where no storm clouds rise
Oh they tell me of an uncloudy day
Instrumental break
Verse 3
They tell me that he smiles on his children there
And his smiles drive their sorrows all away
Where the tree of life in eternal bloom
Sheds its fragrance through the uncloudy day
Chorus
Oh that land of cloudless days
Oh that land of an unclouded sky
Yes they tell me of a place where no storm clouds rise
Oh they tell me of an uncloudy day
Similar Songs Like Cloudy Day
These songs share the same peaceful spirit and message of hope as Uncloudy Day, offering comfort through simple, heartfelt melodies:
- Family Bible: Begins with evening prayer and quiet memories, illustrating how faith and love are passed through family traditions and everyday moments.
- Kneel at the Feet of Jesus: Opens with peace and calm, inviting listeners to find strength, hope, and comfort in the quiet power of prayer and trust.
- Precious Lord, Take My Hand: A gentle melody and honest words ask for guidance during struggles, offering comfort and peace through every simple, soulful line.
- Blue Railroad Train: With lively guitar picking and heartfelt vocals, this song tells a story of longing and journey, filled with emotion and simple beauty.
Similar Songwriters Like Josiah K. Alwood
If you appreciate the heartfelt storytelling and timeless sounds of Josiah K. Alwood, you might enjoy these artists:
- Johnny Cash
Genre: Country, Gospel
Top Albums: At Folsom Prison (1968), American IV: The Man Comes Around (2002) - Ralph Stanley
Genre: Bluegrass, Gospel
Top Albums: O Death (2003), Ralph Stanley (2002) - Merle Haggard
Genre: Country, Traditional
Top Albums: Okie from Muskogee (1969), The Best of Merle Haggard (1982) - Alison Krauss
Genre: Bluegrass, Country
Top Albums: Now That I’ve Found You (1995), Raising Sand (2007) - The Carter Family
Genre: Folk, Gospel
Top Albums: The Carter Family Collection (2005), Carter Family 1927-1956 (1993)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Feelings does Uncloudy Day Inspire in Listeners?
It brings comfort, hope, and peace through its calm and uplifting melody.
Why does this Hymn Remain Relevant Today?
Its message of a bright, sorrow-free place continues to offer hope across generations.
In What Settings is Uncloudy Day Most Often Performed?
It’s commonly sung in churches and gatherings to provide comfort and a shared sense of faith.
