Charlie - second from the left it the picture up there - died this week. He was born around here and, though I never met him, I know some of his family well. They are fine people.
The first time I heard him live was when he opened for The Eagles at Reynolds Coliseum in the late 70's. He and the band played their set and then came the headliners. I know now that was sort of the end of The Eagles for the time being - they've since come back together and if you've got an extra $200-$400 you can see the latest iteration in concert. When we start having them again. I digress. At the very end of the concert - after what we thought was the last encore - the musicians laid down their instruments as if to leave. But instead of walking out, they came to the front of the stage where Charlie and his band joined them. They formed a semi-circle in the low lights and began to sing acapella. The crowd hushed, some singing quietly along with the raspy, concert weary voices. The song? Will the Circle be Unbroken. It was a lovely moment.
Will the Circle be Unbroken is an unusual song for a church - much less a rock concert or the Grand Ole Opry - but it's become a staple. It is a song of death and mourning - hearses and undertakers - the heart wrenching loss of a beloved mother and the gap left in the family at her passing. An acknowledgement that life is fleeting and loss is inevitable. The empty spot at the table, the absence of a voice singing harmony. The devastating sadness of a broken circle. And yet, the song is undeniably hopeful, almost cheery. In the midst of lament comes this refrain.... There's a better home a-waiting in the sky, Lord, in the sky. And there it is... the balm of Gilead. Pain and sorrow last through the long earth-night but there is something ahead in the distance. A place to circle up and link arms again. So many things are fractured nowadays. It's just good to remember there is a place where all that is broken becomes whole. A better home.
So basically, Charlie just went home this week. How sweet is that? Settle in, rosin up the bow and widen the circle, Charlie - we'll meet you there before long. Selah.
I was standing by my window On one cold and cloudy day When I saw that hearse come rolling For to carry my mother away
Will the circle be unbroken By and by, Lord, by and by There's a better home a-waiting In the sky, Lord, in the sky
I said to that undertaker Undertaker please drive slow For this lady you are carrying Lord, I hate to see her go
Will the circle be unbroken By and by, Lord, by and by There's a better home a-waiting In the sky, Lord, in the sky
Oh, I followed close behind her Tried to hold up and be brave But I could not hide my sorrow When they laid her in the grave
Will the circle be unbroken By and by, Lord, by and by There's a better home a-waiting In the sky, Lord, in the sky
I went back home Lord, my home was lonesome Missed my mother, she was gone All of my brothers, sisters crying What a home so sad and lone
Will the circle be unbroken By and by, Lord, by and by There's a better home a-waiting In the sky, Lord, in the sky
Will the circle be unbroken By and by, Lord, by and by There's a better home a-waiting In the sky, Lord, in the sky
- Roy Acuff
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