Folk, Gospel

Will the Circle Be Unbroken Chords

Traditional Beginner Key of G 4 Chords 3 min read Updated Jul 2026

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Will the Circle Be Unbroken Chords – Guitar

A traditional American folk and gospel song often performed as a hymn about loss and faith. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Basic Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a simple down-up strum and focus on changing between the G, C, and D chords cleanly.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C

I was standing by my window

G D

On a cold and cloudy day

G C

When I saw the hearse come rolling

G D

For to carry my mother away

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Verse 2

G C

I said to the undertaker undertaker

G D

Please drive slow

G C

For this body you are carrying

G D

Lord, I hate to see her go

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Verse 3

G C

I followed close behind her her

G D

Tried to hold up and be brave

G C

But I could not hide my sorrow

G D

When they laid her in the grave

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Verse 4

G C

I went back home, my home was lonesome

G D

Since my mother, she was gone

G C

All my brothers, sisters crying

G D

What a home so sad and lone

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Practice tip: Practice the chord progression G-C-G-D for the verses and G-C-G-D-G-C-G for the chorus until you can play it without looking at your fretting hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Will the Circle Be Unbroken"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.

Is "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Will the Circle Be Unbroken"?

It was written by Ada Habershon, Charles Gabriel, and released in 1907.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Will the Circle Be Unbroken Chords – Ukulele

A traditional American folk and gospel song often performed as a hymn about loss and faith. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Basic Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a simple down-up strum and focus on changing between the G, C, and D chords cleanly.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C

I was standing by my window

G D

On a cold and cloudy day

G C

When I saw the hearse come rolling

G D

For to carry my mother away

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Verse 2

G C

I said to the undertaker undertaker

G D

Please drive slow

G C

For this body you are carrying

G D

Lord, I hate to see her go

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Verse 3

G C

I followed close behind her her

G D

Tried to hold up and be brave

G C

But I could not hide my sorrow

G D

When they laid her in the grave

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Verse 4

G C

I went back home, my home was lonesome

G D

Since my mother, she was gone

G C

All my brothers, sisters crying

G D

What a home so sad and lone

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Practice tip: Practice the chord progression G-C-G-D for the verses and G-C-G-D-G-C-G for the chorus until you can play it without looking at your fretting hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Will the Circle Be Unbroken"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.

Is "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Will the Circle Be Unbroken"?

It was written by Ada Habershon, Charles Gabriel, and released in 1907.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Will the Circle Be Unbroken Chords – Piano

A traditional American folk and gospel song often performed as a hymn about loss and faith. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Basic Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a simple down-up strum and focus on changing between the G, C, and D chords cleanly.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C

I was standing by my window

G D

On a cold and cloudy day

G C

When I saw the hearse come rolling

G D

For to carry my mother away

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Verse 2

G C

I said to the undertaker undertaker

G D

Please drive slow

G C

For this body you are carrying

G D

Lord, I hate to see her go

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Verse 3

G C

I followed close behind her her

G D

Tried to hold up and be brave

G C

But I could not hide my sorrow

G D

When they laid her in the grave

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Verse 4

G C

I went back home, my home was lonesome

G D

Since my mother, she was gone

G C

All my brothers, sisters crying

G D

What a home so sad and lone

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Practice tip: Practice the chord progression G-C-G-D for the verses and G-C-G-D-G-C-G for the chorus until you can play it without looking at your fretting hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Will the Circle Be Unbroken"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.

Is "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Will the Circle Be Unbroken"?

It was written by Ada Habershon, Charles Gabriel, and released in 1907.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Will the Circle Be Unbroken Chords – Banjo

A traditional American folk and gospel song often performed as a hymn about loss and faith. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Basic Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a simple down-up strum and focus on changing between the G, C, and D chords cleanly.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C

I was standing by my window

G D

On a cold and cloudy day

G C

When I saw the hearse come rolling

G D

For to carry my mother away

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Verse 2

G C

I said to the undertaker undertaker

G D

Please drive slow

G C

For this body you are carrying

G D

Lord, I hate to see her go

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Verse 3

G C

I followed close behind her her

G D

Tried to hold up and be brave

G C

But I could not hide my sorrow

G D

When they laid her in the grave

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Verse 4

G C

I went back home, my home was lonesome

G D

Since my mother, she was gone

G C

All my brothers, sisters crying

G D

What a home so sad and lone

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Practice tip: Practice the chord progression G-C-G-D for the verses and G-C-G-D-G-C-G for the chorus until you can play it without looking at your fretting hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Will the Circle Be Unbroken"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.

Is "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Will the Circle Be Unbroken"?

It was written by Ada Habershon, Charles Gabriel, and released in 1907.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Will the Circle Be Unbroken Chords – Mandolin

A traditional American folk and gospel song often performed as a hymn about loss and faith. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Basic Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a simple down-up strum and focus on changing between the G, C, and D chords cleanly.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C

I was standing by my window

G D

On a cold and cloudy day

G C

When I saw the hearse come rolling

G D

For to carry my mother away

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Verse 2

G C

I said to the undertaker undertaker

G D

Please drive slow

G C

For this body you are carrying

G D

Lord, I hate to see her go

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Verse 3

G C

I followed close behind her her

G D

Tried to hold up and be brave

G C

But I could not hide my sorrow

G D

When they laid her in the grave

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Verse 4

G C

I went back home, my home was lonesome

G D

Since my mother, she was gone

G C

All my brothers, sisters crying

G D

What a home so sad and lone

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Practice tip: Practice the chord progression G-C-G-D for the verses and G-C-G-D-G-C-G for the chorus until you can play it without looking at your fretting hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Will the Circle Be Unbroken"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.

Is "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Will the Circle Be Unbroken"?

It was written by Ada Habershon, Charles Gabriel, and released in 1907.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Will the Circle Be Unbroken Chords – Harmonica

A traditional American folk and gospel song often performed as a hymn about loss and faith. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Basic Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a simple down-up strum and focus on changing between the G, C, and D chords cleanly.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C

I was standing by my window

G D

On a cold and cloudy day

G C

When I saw the hearse come rolling

G D

For to carry my mother away

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Verse 2

G C

I said to the undertaker undertaker

G D

Please drive slow

G C

For this body you are carrying

G D

Lord, I hate to see her go

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Verse 3

G C

I followed close behind her her

G D

Tried to hold up and be brave

G C

But I could not hide my sorrow

G D

When they laid her in the grave

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Verse 4

G C

I went back home, my home was lonesome

G D

Since my mother, she was gone

G C

All my brothers, sisters crying

G D

What a home so sad and lone

Chorus

G

Will the circle be unbroken

C G

By and by, Lord, by and by

D

There’s a better home a-waiting

G C G

In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Practice tip: Practice the chord progression G-C-G-D for the verses and G-C-G-D-G-C-G for the chorus until you can play it without looking at your fretting hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Will the Circle Be Unbroken"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.

Is "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Will the Circle Be Unbroken"?

It was written by Ada Habershon, Charles Gabriel, and released in 1907.