About The Song
The Statler Brothers recorded “I’ll Fly Away” and released it in 1993 as part of their gospel recordings. The song appears on their album “Today’s Gospel Favorites” which was released by UMG Recordings Inc. The group also included this gospel standard on their “Gospel Favorites” album and performed it during their “Live: Sold Out” concert recordings, demonstrating its importance in their repertoire.
“I’ll Fly Away” is a gospel standard originally written by Albert E. Brumley in 1929 and first published in 1932 by the Hartford Music Company. Albert E. Brumley has been described as the “pre-eminent gospel songwriter” of the 20th century with over 600 published songs. According to interviews, Brumley came up with the idea for the song while picking cotton on his father’s farm in Rock Island, Oklahoma, inspired by an old ballad about having wings of an angel.
The song ranks somewhere right below “Amazing Grace” on the list of spiritual standards that have become part of mainstream, secular culture. The Statler Brothers helped make this gospel standard mainstream through their performances and recordings. Their version contributed to the song’s widespread recognition beyond traditional church settings and gospel music circles.
The Statler Brothers’ rendition of “I’ll Fly Away” became particularly notable for their classic four-part harmony arrangement. Their performance style showcased the group’s gospel roots, as they originally performed Southern gospel music at local churches before their country music career. The majority of their records contained at least one gospel song, reflecting their commitment to their spiritual musical foundation.
The song was originally printed in shape notes, using the seven-shape system developed by J.B. Aikin for his Christian Minstrel in 1846. The style of the song has leant itself best to gospel, country, and bluegrass renditions, making it a perfect fit for The Statler Brothers’ musical approach. Their version exemplified the close harmony singing that became their trademark sound.
Albert E. Brumley’s other popular songs include “Jesus, Hold My Hand,” “Turn Your Radio On,” “I’ll Meet You in the Morning,” and “This World Is Not My Home.” He is recognized as one of the most important Gospel music composers of all time, writing over 800 songs throughout his career. Today, Albert E. Brumley is honored through various hall of fame inductions, including the Nashville Songwriters Association International Hall of Fame, Country Music Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, and Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Video
Lyric
Some glad morning when this life is o’er
I’ll fly away
To a home on God’s celestial shore
I’ll fly awayI’ll fly away, oh glory
I’ll fly away
When I die, hallelujah, by and by
I’ll fly awayJust a few more weary days and then
I’ll fly away
To a land where joys shall never end
I’ll fly awayI’ll fly away, oh glory
I’ll fly away
When I die, hallelujah, by and by
I’ll fly away(Instrumental break)
Oh, when the shadows of this life have grown
I’ll fly away
Like a bird from prison bars has flown
I’ll fly awayI’ll fly away, oh glory
I’ll fly away
When I die, hallelujah, by and by
I’ll fly away