Imagine a Sunday morning, the sun streaming through stained glass windows, and the congregation’s voices rising in unison. “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder” is one of those timeless hymns that transports you to such a moment, evoking a sense of community, hope, and reflection. Written by James M. Black in 1893, this hymn has a way of resonating deeply with anyone who hears it, regardless of their background.
What makes this song so special? It’s the profound simplicity of its message. The lyrics speak of a day when believers will gather in heaven, their names called out one by one, in a roll call of the faithful. This imagery is both comforting and inspiring, painting a vivid picture of reunion and eternal life. It’s a song that doesn’t just promise an afterlife but celebrates the bonds we share here and now.
Musically, the hymn is straightforward, yet powerful. Its melody is easy to follow, making it a favorite in churches around the world. The repetitive chorus feels like a reassuring mantra, reminding us of the certainty and hope in the promise of heaven.
James M. Black, the composer, was inspired by his experience as a Sunday school teacher. One day, a student was absent, and he thought about the heavenly roll call where no one would be missing. This poignant thought led him to pen both the lyrics and the music. It’s this personal connection that perhaps lends the hymn its enduring warmth and appeal.
Listening to or singing “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder,” you can’t help but feel a connection to something greater than yourself. It’s a reminder of faith’s power to unite and uplift us, providing solace in times of sorrow and a sense of joy in the promise of a heavenly reunion.
Whether it’s the historical context, the heartfelt lyrics, or the uplifting melody, “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder” continues to be a beloved hymn. It speaks to the enduring human hope for a better tomorrow and the everlasting bonds of faith and community.
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Lyrics
When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time shall be no more
And the morning breaks eternal bright and fair
When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there
When the roll is called up yonder
(When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there)
When the roll is called up yonder
(When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there
When the roll is called up yonder
(When the roll is called up yonder)
When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there
On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise
And the glory of His resurrection share
When His chosen ones are gathered to their home beyond the skies
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there
When the roll is called up yonder
(When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there)
When the roll is called up yonder
(When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there)
When the roll is called up yonder
(When the roll is called up yonder)
When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there
Let us labor for the Master from the dawn ’til setting sun
Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care
Then when all of life is over and our work on earth is done
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there
When the roll is called up yonder
(When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there)
When the roll is called up yonder
(When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there)
When the roll is called up yonder
(When the roll is called up yonder)
When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there
When the roll is called up yonder
(When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there)
When the roll is called up yonder
(When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there)
When the roll is called up yonder
(When the roll is called up yonder)
When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there
When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there