When the Roll is Called Up Yonder Lyrics – A Classic Hymn

Introduction

“When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” is a classic hymn that has been sung in churches for over a century. The lyrics were written by James Milton Black in 1893 and the melody was composed by him as well. The hymn has become a staple in gospel music and is often sung at funerals and other religious services. In this article, we will explore the history and meaning behind the beloved hymn and provide the full lyrics for you to sing along.

History of the Hymn

James Milton Black was a music teacher and composer who lived in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He wrote the lyrics to “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” after attending a church service where the pastor spoke about the Book of Life mentioned in the Bible. The Book of Life is a record of all those who will be saved and enter heaven. Black was inspired by this message and wrote the lyrics to the hymn.

The hymn was first published in 1893 in a collection of songs called “Songs of the Soul”. It quickly became popular and was included in many hymnals. The melody was composed by Black as well and is a simple, yet beautiful tune that perfectly complements the lyrics.

Over the years, “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” has been recorded by many artists and has become a beloved hymn in the Christian community. It is often sung at funerals and other religious services as a reminder of the hope and promise of eternal life.

Meaning of the Lyrics

The lyrics to “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” are a reminder of the Christian belief in the afterlife and the hope of eternal life in heaven. The hymn speaks of a day when Jesus will return and call his followers to join him in heaven. The “roll” mentioned in the hymn refers to the Book of Life mentioned in the Bible, which contains the names of all those who will be saved and enter heaven.

The hymn also speaks of the importance of living a faithful life and being prepared for the day when Jesus returns. It encourages Christians to be ready to answer the call when it comes and to be confident in their salvation.

Overall, the lyrics to “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” are a powerful reminder of the Christian belief in the afterlife and the hope of eternal life in heaven.

Full Lyrics

When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more,
And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;
When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Refrain:
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise,
And the glory of His resurrection share;
When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Refrain:
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun,
Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care;
Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Refrain:
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Conclusion

“When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” is a classic hymn that has been sung in churches for over a century. The lyrics were written by James Milton Black in 1893 and the melody was composed by him as well. The hymn speaks of the Christian belief in the afterlife and the hope of eternal life in heaven. It encourages Christians to live a faithful life and be prepared for the day when Jesus returns. The hymn has become a beloved part of gospel music and is often sung at funerals and other religious services as a reminder of the hope and promise of eternal life.