Have you ever been so profoundly moved by a song’s lyrics that they became indelibly etched into your soul? The kind of words that provide solace, perspective, and a poignant reminder of life’s truest meaning? For countless people across generations, the gospel classic “Lyrics for What a Day That Will Be” has delivered just such an impact with its vivid portrayal of the eternal joy and reunion that awaits.
Written in 1953 by the legendary Jim Hill, this timeless tune has been covered by artists like Johnny Cash, The Chuck Wagon Gang, and scores more over the past seven decades. Yet the simplicity and unmistakable authenticity of Hill’s heartfelt lyrics have allowed the song to transcend eras, genres, and individual performers.
At its core, “What a Day That Will Be” paints an evocative picture of leaving behind the suffering and turmoil of this earthly life for the ultimate peace and rest of heaven. Through the masterful use of poetic devices, each verse builds greater hope and anticipation for that momentous day of redemption.
Unveiling Sacred Truth Verse by Verse
“When we all get to heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!”
The opening verse immediately transports the listener, using joyful imagery of singing, shouting, and celebration. It captures the unbridled elation of being united with the Lord and Savior after life’s long, arduous journey.
As the song progresses, Jim Hill employs rich metaphors and similes to depict the profound sense of relief, comfort, and love that awaits the faithful:
“On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise,
And the glory of His resurrection share;
When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there!”
The rollicking, singable melody combines with these vivid lyrics to vividly illustrate the triumphant reality awaiting believers. Every phrase and turn-of-phrase resonates with deep biblical truth and promises of eternity.
Read more: Australian Optus 10M Kayereuters Collaboration
Examining the Poetic Brilliance
While the core message and storyline feel remarkably simple, Hill’s deft use of literary techniques elevates “What a Day That Will Be” into a masterclass of lyrical artistry. A few highlights:
- Rhyme Scheme: The ABAB rhyming pattern creates a memorable cadence and singalong feel
- Figurative Language: Metaphors like “That bright and cloudless morning” and “gathering to their home beyond the skies” paint strikingly visual scenes
- Biblical References: Symbolic phrases like “When the dead in Christ shall rise” and “the roll is called up yonder” root the lyrics in scriptural promises
“Each line feels like scripture set to music. You can’t help but be stirred by the seamless way Jim Hill weaved in these vivid yet accessible images.” – Songwriter Bobby Halcomb
Perhaps just as impressive as these individual techniques, though, is the way Hill combines and layers them to heighten the overall emotional resonance and power.
The Heart Behind the Hymn
While meditating on the profound truths captured in these lyrics, it’s important to pause and appreciate the backstory. As the introduction mentioned, “What a Day That Will Be” emerged from the mind and life experience of Jim Hill in the 1950s.
| Jim Hill Bio |
|---|
| – Born: 1925 in Woodbury, TN |
| – Background: Son of a Baptist minister, he grew up surrounded by hymns and gospel music from an early age. |
| – Career: Penned over 600 gospel songs and hymns, many still widely performed today. Inducted into Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1971. |
| – Inspiration: Drew from personal hardships, including the early death of his first wife, to instill deep feeling into his lyrics about faith, hope, and eternity. |
You can sense Hill’s authenticity and firm grasp on biblical promises emanating from each line and verse of “What a Day That Will Be.” These were clearly more than just hollow words or cliched phrases to him.
As someone who persevered through deep pain and loss, Hill allowed his steadfast faith to be the foundation for these uplifting, joyful lyrics about reuniting with passed loved ones and receiving eternal rest from suffering. In many ways, it’s a musical manifestation of the “Hope we have as an anchor for the soul” described in Hebrews 6:19.
Read more about Chosenviber.net: Communication and Collaboration Transformed
Achieving Transcendent, Timeless Appeal
Quite fittingly then, the legacy and reach of “What a Day That Will Be” has far transcended its humble 1950s beginnings. The truth and hopefulness effortlessly conveyed by Hill’s lyrics have allowed the song’s poignant message to be continually rediscovered and embraced by each new generation of listeners.
Even artists and works of art revered across cultures have been impacted and paid homage. The classic American novel “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck references the hymn, using it to encapsulate themes of perseverance, hope, and faith amidst struggle.
“The Grapes of Wrath” author John Steinbeck wrote about the hymn “What a Day That Will Be”: “…there’s a curious reverence, too, in the music, because a hymn is a statement of what people know they can never really have…”
Beyond literature, the hymn has made powerful appearances in:
- Eulogies celebrating lives of faith
- Sermons ministering to congregations
- Films trying to capture raw human perseverance
- And countless other cultural works and moments
To hear its stirring melody and evocative lyrics echoing through such varied mediums is a testament to the song’s ability to tap into emotions, questions, and spiritual yearnings at the very core of the human experience.
Perhaps most amazingly, this incredible journey and multi-generational impact all stemmed from a few simple, heartfelt stanzas written by a man of humble means from rural Tennessee. It’s a true demonstration of the supernatural power that can flow through divinely-inspired art, music, and lyrics.
Read more about Nobullswipe.com: Your Fitness Partner
Final Thoughts: Anticipating That Ultimate Reunion
After journeying through the poetic brilliance and enduring legacy of “What a Day That Will Be,” one truth becomes undeniable – these words possess a unique ability to rekindle hope, ease earthly burdens, and provide a tantalizing glimpse of eternal glory.
As contemporary Christian singer Dennis Jernigen so eloquently summarized:
“It matters not what circumstance causes our hearts to be heavy and troubled. When we allow the words of that grand old hymn to embrace us, we can immediately sense the reality of God’s promise and receive the blessed assurance that one day, we will be reunited with our Lord… What a Day That Will Be!“
Like a cherished family heirloom passed down through generations, may the timeless lyrics and soaring melody of this treasured classic continue providing solace, comfort, and joyful reassurance to all who hear its inspired promises.
And may the eternal reunion so vividly captured in “What a Day That Will Be” not just be wishful thinking, but the sublime reality we all one day experience firsthand in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father. What a day of rejoicing that will truly be!
Emily Hudson, the creative mind behind “English Summa,” is a passionate English language educator with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Teaching Certification. Dedicated to making the intricacies of English accessible to learners, Emily brings a blend of expertise and enthusiasm to her readers. Follow English Summa for insightful language tips, literary explorations, and a shared love for the beauty of English.
