Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Revelation 2:10
Words & Music: P. P. Orr, in Glad News, edited by W. N. Cook (Hudson, North Carolina: Teachers’ Music Publishing, 1916), number 41 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Orr’s full name, or where to get a good photo of him (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
In that fair land across death’s sea,
I expect to wear a crown some day;
Within that mansion built for me,
I expect to wear a crown some day.
Refrain
I expect to wear a crown
When I lay my armor down,
And I’ll live with Christ forevermore;
To His kingdom I am heir,
Endless glory I shall share,
I expect to wear a crown some day.
I’m but a stranger in this land,
I expect to wear a crown some day;
With joy I’d leave this earthly band,
I expect to wear a crown some day.
Refrain
The storms of life will soon be o’er,
I expect to wear a crown some day;
My fragile barque shall reach the shore,
I expect to wear a crown some day.
Refrain
Let come what will of grief and pain,
I expect to wear a crown some day;
With joy I’ll rise and vict’ry gain,
I expect to wear a crown some day.
Refrain
The Lord has promised life to me,
I expect to wear a crown some day;
His gentle hand will set me free,
I expect to wear a crown some day.
Refrain