Why make a commotion and weep? The child has not died, but is sleeping.
Mark 5:39
Words: Mary S. B. D. Shindler, in The Southern Harmony, by William Walker, 1835, page 305, alt.
Music: Long, Long Ago Thomas H. Bayly (1797–1839) (🔊 pdf nwc).
Shed not a tear o’er your friend’s early bier,
When I am gone—when I am gone—
Smile when the slow tolling bell you shall hear—
When I am gone—when I am gone—
Weep not for me when you stand round my grave,
Think who has died His belovèd to save,
Think of the crown all the ransomed shall have,
When I am gone—when I am gone.
Shed not a tear when you stand round my grave—
When I am gone—when I am gone—
Sing a sweet song unto Him who doth save,
When I am gone—when I am gone—
Sing to the Lamb who on earth once was slain,
Sing to the Lamb who in Heaven doth reign,
Sing till the world shall be filled with His name,
When I am gone—when I am gone.
Plant ye a tree which may wave over me—
When I am gone—when I am gone—
Sing ye a song when my grave you shall see:
When I am gone—when I am gone—
Come at the close of a bright summer’s day,
Come when the sun sheds his last lingering ray,
Come, and rejoice that I thus passed away,
When I am gone—when I am gone.
Plant ye a rose that may bloom o’er my bed—
When I am gone—when I am gone—
Breathe not a sigh for the blest early dead—
When I am gone—when I am gone—
Praise ye the Lord that I’m freed from all care;
Serve ye the Lord that my bliss you may share;
Look up on high and believe I am there;
When I am gone—when I am gone.