Tag Archives: hymns

Gillian Welch’s Neo-Traditional Hymn “I’m Not Afraid To Die”

A simple tune, a deep well of comfort

The first time I heard Gillian Welch’s achingly lovely neotraditional folk song “I’m Not Afraid To Die”, I heard it sung in harmony by my dear friend and her dying father. He was in hospice at home in Santa Fe, lying … Continue reading

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The Iconic Funeral Hymn “Will The Circle Be Unbroken”

Written in 1907 and made famous by The Carter Family in 1935, this iconic song has a simple message

In 1907, Ada R. Habershon, an English Christian hymnist, and Charles H. Gabriel, who is said to have written or composed up to 8,000 gospel songs, wrote a Christian tune called “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” The original lyrics are clearly … Continue reading

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