When I Wake Up In Glory

This gospel song has been performed by many artists - all with (slight) variations to the words. The earliest located recording (so far) on YouTube is from the 1950s.

The text is based on a poem by Julian Alford (detailed not yet located). This was set to music by African-American Methodist, gospel songwriter, arranged and choral director, Edward C Deas (1884-1944) and first released in 1919. (Ref: Mahalia Jackson and the Black Gospel Field - Mark Burford - preview, or available from Amazon).

The song has been recorded by a very wide range of gospel singers - there are many variations in the lyrics and tune. This may be why no sources of sheet music have been located so far.

Downloads

PowerPoint slides

Examples

Choir with rhythm band:

Family group with band, professional recording from the 1950s:

Trio with band, rehearsal video:

Lyrics

1 I shall go some sweet day,
And from earth shall pass away,
And my soul shall reach a better land.
Oh my soul shall be free,
And the Host shall reveal,
And the King Eternal shall understand.

Chorus:
When I wake up, when I wake up in glory,
And to Jesus I'll sing redemption story.
Oh, I shall see Him, blessed be,
He who has bought me to be free.
When I wake up,
In glory by and by.

When my weary eyelids close,
And I've sunk to sweet repose,
Singing Hallelujah, as I go;
All my sorrows will be past,
I'll be free from sin at last,
And I'll leave all my troubles here below.