Folk Song for June 2023: I'll Fly Away

I'll Fly Away is one of the most recorded gospel songs of all time and also a folk standard, particularly among Bluegrass performers. It’s been featured in numerous films and TV shows, and performed in styles that cross many genres of music. It’s in most good hymnals. (It’s still protected by copyright by the songwriter’s descendants, so sing away to your heart’s content but maybe don’t record it for profit!)

These lyrics best follow this a cappella recording by Truth & Peace, which uses the traditional version found in hymnals.

I’ll Fly Away

1. Some glad morning when this life is o’er

I’ll fly away

To that home on God’s celestial shore

I’ll fly away

CHORUS

   I’ll fly away oh glory

   I’ll fly away (in the morning)

   When I die hallelujah by and by

   I’ll fly away

2. When the shadows of this life have grown

I’ll fly away

Like a bird from prison walls has flown

I’ll fly away

[CHORUS]

3. Just a few more weary days and then

I’ll fly away

To a land where joy shall never end

I’ll fly away

[CHORUS]

Allison Krauss & Gillian Welch sang I'll Fly Away on the O Brother, Where Art Thou movie soundtrack album, which won 2 Grammys. Later the track was included on the album Down From the Mountain, which also won a Grammy. 

Check the playlist and our Folk Song page for this and other exemplary versions which span many music genres.

Lynn's Youtube Playlist for AO Folk Songs 2022-2023

Our helpful intro post is sure to liven up your folk song adventures.

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links to purchase individual songs, see our AO Folk Songs page.

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