You know, there’s this hymn that’s always held a special place in my heart—”When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder.” Every time I hear it, I feel this incredible mix of hope and anticipation. It’s like the song wraps you in a warm embrace, reminding you of a reunion that’s yet to come.
The story behind it is pretty touching. James M. Black wrote it back in 1893. Legend has it that he was inspired after a young girl in his Sunday school class didn’t show up one day. Concerned, he visited her home and found she was seriously ill. This got him thinking about the heavenly roll call where everyone would be present—no absentees. Can you imagine? That moment of compassion led to a hymn that’s been sung for generations.
What really gets me about this song is how it speaks to the longing we all have to be together with loved ones who’ve passed on. The melody is uplifting, almost triumphant, and the lyrics paint this vivid picture of a joyful gathering beyond this life. It’s not just a hymn; it’s a celebration of hope and reunion.
Have you ever listened to it during a quiet moment? It has this way of making you reflect on what’s truly important. For me, it brings a sense of peace and reassurance that transcends everyday worries. It’s amazing how a song written over a century ago can still resonate so deeply today
Video
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
When the roll is called up yonder
(When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there)
When the roll is called up yonder
(When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there
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 are gathered to their home beyond the skies
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there
When the roll is called up yonder
(When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there)
When the roll is called up yonder
(When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there)
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 ’til 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
When the roll is called up yonder
(When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there)
When the roll is called up yonder
(When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there)
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
When the roll is called up yonder
(When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there)
When the roll is called up yonder
(When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there)
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
When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there