In the Sweet By and By

There’s a land that is fairer than day,
and by faith we can see it afar;
for the Father waits over the way
to prepare us a dwelling place there.

In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

We shall sing on that beautiful shore
the melodious songs of the blest;
and our spirits shall sorrow no more-
not a sigh for the blessing of rest.

In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

To our bountiful Father above
we will offer our tribute of praise,
for the glorious gift of His love,
and the blessings that hallow our days.

In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

— “In The Sweet By And By” Sanford Fillmore Bennett (1868)

The classic American gospel hymn was composed in 1868 by pharmacist Sanford Fillmore Bennett and Joseph Philbrick Webster. When Webster, battling depression, told Bennett “It will be all right by and by,” Bennett was inspired to draft the uplifting lyrics for his Song of America entry. The two collaborated to produce the song in a matter of minutes, reflecting on a heavenly afterlife.