New from Mike & Marty: “Will The Circle Be Unbroken”

“Will The Circle Be Unbroken” was originally written in 1907 by Ada R. Habershon, with music by Charles H. Gabriel. Versions of it were later more famously recorded by The Carter Family, Johnny Cash, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – with variations in lyrics and music.

Now Mike and Marty contribute their own effort to the unbroken circle line. Their version of the song has a jangly feel, with producer Conrad Fisher providing instruments includingn guitar and keys, and Daniel Beachy on the steel guitar. Mike takes lead vocals with Marty backing. The video is recorded inside a covered bridge – a nice touch.

The lyrics tell of a hearse coming to carry the singer’s mother’s body away. But amidst the sorrow, we’re reminded that “There’s a better home a-waiting in the sky, Lord, in the sky.”

Here are the lyrics as they sing them in this version. They align more with later renditions of the song, than with Ada Habershon’s original version:

Will the Circle Be Unbroken – Lyrics

I was standing by my window
On a cold and cloudy day
When I saw the hearse come rolling
For to carry my mother away

Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
There’s a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Undertaker, undertaker
Undertaker, please drive slow
For this body you are hauling
Lord, I hate to see her go

Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
There’s a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

As I followed close behind them
Tried to hold up and be brave
But I could not hide my sorrow
When they laid her in the grave

Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
There’s a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

I think Mike & Marty’s take on the song sounds great. Have a listen here: