Never Grow Old

For other uses, see Never Grow Old (disambiguation).

"Never Grow Old" usually refers to an old Southern Gospel song of the same name, technically called "Where We'll Never Grow Old", written by James Cleveland Moore, Sr. on April 22, 1914. It has been included on many religious-themed audio compilations, and has been covered by many singers, including Johnny Cash, Jim Reeves, Bill and Gloria Gather, the Carter Family, and Aretha Franklin.

Background

James Cleveland Moore, Sr. had intended to become a Baptist preacher. He was educated at Draketown Baptist Institute, Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, and the University of Florida. He received musical training under Benjamin B. Beale and J. Henry Showalter.

At 26 years old, while a seminary student at Mercer, Moore visited his hometown church to preach, Draketown Baptist Church. His father, Charles Robert Moore, had led the singing for years. Hearing his father's voice failing him, Moore knew that he would not hear his father sing much longer due to his father's advanced age.

After returning to school, Moore produced the hymn and dedicated his song as: "Dedicated to My Father and Mother." The song was not published until around 1930.

Lyrics

VERSE 1:

I have heard of a land

On the faraway strand

'Tis a beautiful home of the soul

Built by Jesus on high

There we never shall die

'Tis a land where we never grow old.

CHORUS:

Never grow old [where we'll]

Never grow old

In a land where we'll never grow old

Never grow old [where we'll]

Never grow old

In a land where we'll never grow old.

VERSE 2:

In that beautiful home

Where we'll nevermore roam

We shall be in the sweet by and by

Happy praise to the King

Through eternity sing

'Tis a land where we never shall die.

VERSE 3:

When our work here is done

And the life-crown is won

And our troubles and trials are o'er

All our sorrow will end

And our voices will blend

With the loved ones who've gone on before.

See also

• Eternal life (Christianity)
• Southern Gospel