Scripture Verse

The gates of [the city] shall not be shut at all by day; for there shall be no night there. Revelation 21:25

Introduction

Words & Mu­sic: Charles H. Ga­bri­el, cir­ca 1917 (🔊 pdf nwc). This song was in­spired by the words of Ga­bri­el’s son as the two said good­bye in New York. His son was leav­ing for World War I, and they did not know if he would re­turn. Among his last words to his fa­ther were, Dad, if I ne­ver see you again here, I’ll meet you where the gates ne­ver swing out­ward.

portrait
Charles H. Gabriel (1856–1932)

Lyrics

Just a few more days to be filled with praise,
And to tell the old, old sto­ry;
Then, when twi­light falls, and my Sav­ior calls,
I shall go to Him in glo­ry.

Refrain

I’ll ex­change my cross for a star­ry crown,
Where the gates swing out­ward ne­ver;
At His feet I’ll lay ev­ery bur­den down,
And with Je­sus reign for­ev­er.

Just a few more years with their toil and tears,
And the jour­ney will be ended;
Then I’ll be with Him, where the tide of time
With eter­ni­ty is blend­ed.

Refrain

Though the hills be steep and the val­leys deep,
With no flow­ers my way adorn­ing;
Though the night be lone and my rest a stone,
Joy awaits me in the morn­ing.

Refrain

What a joy ’twill be when I wake to see
Him for whom my heart is burn­ing!
Nevermore to sigh, ne­ver­more to die,
For that day my heart is yearn­ing.

Refrain