Can the Circle Be Unbroken
The Carter Family
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I was standing by the window On one cold and cloudy day And I saw the hearse come rolling For to carry my mother away Can 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 the undertaker Undertaker, please drive slow For this body you are hauling Lord I hate to see her go Can 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 I followed close behind her Tried to hold up and be brave But I could not hide my sorrow When they laid her in the grave Can 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 Went back home Lord, my home was lonesome Miss my mother she was gone All my brothers, sisters crying What a home so sad and lone Can 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
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Written by: Alvin Pleasant Carter
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Song Origin"Can the Circle Be Unbroken" is a song originally by the Carter Family, an American folk music group that was one of the first major acts in the recording industry during the 1920s and 30s.
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InspirationThe song is derived from a hymn by Ada R. Habershon with music by Charles H. Gabriel, composed in 1907.
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ImpactThe song became the signature song of the Carter Family, becoming one of the most significant early country records, with its emotive lyrics resonating from the Great Depression through to the present day.
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Re-imaginationsIt has been re-imagined by various musicians over the years, including Kristin Hersh, who played it in a folk rock style.
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Different LyricsIn her version, Kristin Hersh uses somewhat different lyrics than the original, taking more liberties with the song's structure.
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Piano ArrangementUnlike the Carter Family's version which largely depended upon their signature guitar work, Hersh's version is well-known for its haunting piano arrangement.
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RecordingsHersh's rendition of “Can the Circle Be Unbroken” appears on her 2001 album 'Sunny Border Blue'.
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EffectHersh’s version of the song is considered to have a haunting effect, as she transforms the traditional folk hymn into a profound exploration of grief.
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ReleaseThe song was released as a single by Kristin Hersh in 2001.
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Emotional ConnectionBoth versions are heavily laden with emotion, partly due to the lyrics which deal with the loss of a loved one and questioning whether family unity can endure such loss.
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Legacy"Can the Circle Be Unbroken" has been covered by countless artists across a variety of genres, illustrating its influence and enduring popularity.
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Country Music Hall of FameThe contribution of the Carter Family, including this song, was recognized when they were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1970.
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Citation
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"Can the Circle Be Unbroken Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/10494473/The+Carter+Family/Can+the+Circle+Be+Unbroken>.
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