Composer

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American Traditional

Genre

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Miscellaneous

Style

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Miscellaneous

Average_duration

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4:26

"Will the Circle Be Unbroken" is a traditional American gospel hymn that has been performed by numerous artists and has become a staple in the American folk music canon. The song was composed in the early 20th century, with the exact date and authorship unknown. It is believed to have originated in the southern United States, likely in the African American community. The song's premiere is also unknown, as it was likely passed down through oral tradition before being recorded and published. The first known recording of the song was by the Carter Family in 1935, which helped to popularize the song and introduce it to a wider audience. "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" is typically performed in a slow, mournful tempo, with a simple chord progression and melody. The song is often sung in a call-and-response style, with a lead vocalist singing the verses and a group of singers responding with the refrain, "Will the circle be unbroken, by and by, Lord, by and by?" The song's lyrics are steeped in religious imagery and themes, with references to heaven, angels, and the afterlife. The song speaks to the idea of eternal life and the hope that loved ones will be reunited in the afterlife. The song is typically divided into three or four verses, with each verse building on the previous one to create a sense of narrative and progression. The song's refrain serves as a unifying element, bringing the verses together and reinforcing the song's central message of hope and faith. Overall, "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" is a powerful and enduring example of American folk music, with its simple melody and lyrics capturing the essence of the human experience and the hope for eternal life.

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