Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Joan Baez · Other Songs - Joan Baez
I was standing by the window
On a cold and cloudy day
When I saw the hearse come rolling
To carry my mother away
Will the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye Lord bye and bye
There's a better home a waiting
In the sky Lord in the sky
Lord I told that undertaker
Undertaker please drive slow
For that body you're a hauling
Lord I hate to see her go
Well I followed close behind her
Tried to hold up and be brave
But I could not hide my sorrow
When they laid her in that grave.
I went back home Lord that home was lonesome
Since my mother, she was gone
All my brothers and sisters crying
What a home so sad and alone.
One by one the seats were emptied
One by one they went away
Now that family they are parted
Will they meet again some day.
I was singing with my sisters
I was singing with my friends
And we all can, sing together
Cause the circle never ends
On a cold and cloudy day
When I saw the hearse come rolling
To carry my mother away
Will the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye Lord bye and bye
There's a better home a waiting
In the sky Lord in the sky
Lord I told that undertaker
Undertaker please drive slow
For that body you're a hauling
Lord I hate to see her go
Well I followed close behind her
Tried to hold up and be brave
But I could not hide my sorrow
When they laid her in that grave.
I went back home Lord that home was lonesome
Since my mother, she was gone
All my brothers and sisters crying
What a home so sad and alone.
One by one the seats were emptied
One by one they went away
Now that family they are parted
Will they meet again some day.
I was singing with my sisters
I was singing with my friends
And we all can, sing together
Cause the circle never ends
Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Joan Baez's 1963 recording of 'Will The Circle Be Unbroken' stands as a definitive folk anthem, blending traditional balladry with the emerging civil rights movement. Originally a spiritual and work song, Baez's arrangement transformed the piece into a powerful vehicle for social justice, featuring her distinctive vocal style and acoustic guitar accompaniment. The track became an essential part of the protest repertoire, performed at rallies and marches to inspire unity and hope. Its enduring appeal lies in its melodic simplicity and lyrical message of communal strength, cementing Baez's legacy as a pivotal voice in American folk music and activism during the mid-1960s.