aka “Shall We Gather At the River”
A religious song from 1866.
words and music by Rev. Robert Lowry
arranged by E. Mack
A famous gospel song. In the Apocalypse in the Book of Revelation: “Brightest of all were the throne … the heavenly river, and the gathering of the saints.” Those concepts are featured in this popular Christian hymn. The verse is a duet for soprano and alto and the chorus is in four parts. It has a march movement and has been used for parade marching.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by W. Tomaschewski:
Lyrics
- Shall we gather at the river, where bright angel feet have trod
With its crystal tide forever, flowing by the throne of God?
Chorus
Yes, we’ll gather at the river
The beautiful, the beautiful river
Gather with the saints at the river
That flows by the throne of God
- On the margin of the river, washing up its silver spray
We will walk and worship ever, all the happy golden day - On the bosom of the river, where our Savior-king we own
We shall meet and sorrow never, ’Neath the glory of the throne - Ere we reach the shining river, lay we every burden down
Grace our spirits will deliver, and provide a robe and crown - At the smiling of the river, mirror of the Savior’s face
Saints whom death will never sever, lift their songs of saving grace - Soon we’ll reach the shining river, soon our pilgrimage will cease
Soon our happy hearts will quiver, with the melody of peace
Sung here by Fred Feild: