i ll Fly Away lyrics Among the countless hymns written in Christian history, few shine as brightly as i ll Fly Away lyrics. First published in 1929 by gospel songwriter Albert E. Brumley, this hymn has echoed through churches, revivals, funerals, and gospel concerts for nearly a century. Its lyrics capture the Christian hope of heaven, freedom from sorrow, and eternal joy with God.
Believers sing it with tears in their eyes, hearts lifted, and voices declaring faith in a life beyond this world. Let’s dive into the lyrics, story, meaning, and impact of this classic hymn.
Complete i ll Fly Away lyrics
Verse 1
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.
Chorus
I’ll fly away, O glory,
I’ll fly away;
When I die, hallelujah, by and by,
I’ll fly away.
Verse 2
When the shadows of this life have gone,
I’ll fly away;
Like a bird from prison bars has flown,
I’ll fly away.
Verse 3
Just a few more weary days and then,
I’ll fly away;
To a land where joy shall never end,
I’ll fly away.
Story Behind “i ll Fly Away lyrics”
Albert E. Brumley wrote i ll Fly Away lyricswhile working on his family farm. Inspired by the song “If I Had the Wings of an Angel,” Brumley imagined the Christian soul rising above sorrow like a bird escaping prison.
The hymn was officially published in 1932 and quickly spread across rural America through shape-note hymnals and gospel quartets. Today, ’ll Fly Away Lyrics it’s one of the most-recorded gospel songs in history, second only to Amazing Grace.
Brumley once said:
“It was just like that for me—I felt like I was flying away from this world’s troubles.”
Meaning of “i ll Fly Away lyrics”
At its core, the hymn expresses the Christian belief in eternal life:
- Flying away = the soul’s departure from earth to heaven.
- Celestial shore = heaven, where God’s presence brings peace.
- Weary days = life’s struggles, pain, and sorrow.
- Joy that never ends = the promise of eternal happiness with Jesus Christ.
Bible Verses Connected to the Hymn
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 – “The dead in Christ shall rise first… we will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”
- Philippians 3:20-21 – “Our citizenship is in heaven… He will transform our lowly body.”
- John 14:2-3 – “In my Father’s house are many rooms… I will come again and take you to myself.”
- Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe away every tear… death shall be no more.”
Famous Performances of “i ll Fly Away”
Many artists across genres have recorded this hymn, I’ll Fly Away Lyrics keeping it alive for new generations:
- Johnny Cash – included in his gospel recordings.
- Alison Krauss & Gillian Welch – soundtrack for O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000).
- Alan Jackson – on his country gospel album.
- Bill & Gloria Gaither Homecoming series – quartet renditions.
- Church choirs worldwide – traditional acapella versions.
i ll Fly Away in Popular Culture
Beyond churches, this hymn has appeared in:
- Movies – O Brother, Where Art Thou? brought it renewed fame.
- TV Shows – featured in episodes of The Waltons and others.
- Funeral tributes – often sung at memorials for its message of hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who wrote i ll Fly Away?
Albert E. Brumley in 1929, published in 1932.
Q2: Why is this hymn sung at funerals?
Because it expresses hope in eternal life and comfort in grief.
Q3: What does “fly away” symbolize?
It symbolizes the Christian soul rising to heaven after death.
Q4: Which movie made it popular again?
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) featured Alison Krauss & Gillian Welch’s version.
Q5: What genre is it?
It’s a Southern Gospel / Bluegrass hymn.
Conclusion
The i ll Fly Away lyrics still echo across churches and hearts because they declare the Christian promise of heaven. Written during a time of hardship, it continues to bring comfort, faith, and joy nearly a century later.
Whether i ll Fly Away lyrics sung with banjos in the South, whispered in mourning, or shouted in revival meetings, this hymn remains a timeless anthem of hope in Jesus Christ.
