I’ll Fly Away

I’ll Fly Away was written in 1929 by the pre-eminent gospel songwriter Albert E. Brumley (1905-1977). Since its first publication in 1932, I’ll Fly Away has become one of the most beloved and frequently recorded gospel songs in history. It has appeared in countless hymnals and is a standard at both bluegrass jam sessions and funerals. This arrangement for SATBB chorus and bluegrass ensemble invokes the energy and spirit of the 1951 country gospel recording by James and Martha Carson (Capitol Records #1415). I first came across the Carson’s recording via the extraordinary “Goodbye, Babylon” collection compiled by Dust to Digital. “I’ll Fly Away” was commissioned by the Commonwealth Chorale to be performed with the bluegrass band Monroe Crossing alongside Carol Barnett’s The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass.

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, fly away, O glory, I’ll fly away;
When I die, hallelujah, by and by, I’ll fly away.

When the shadows of this life have grown, I’ll fly away;
Like a bird from prison bars have flown, I’ll fly away.

I’ll fly away, etc.

Just a few more weary days and then, I’ll fly away;
To a land where joys shall never end, I’ll fly away.

I’ll fly away, etc.