You help make Hymnary.org possible. More than 10 million people from 200+ countries found hymns, liturgical resources and encouragement on Hymnary.org in 2025, including you. Every visit affirms the global impact of this ministry.

If Hymnary has been meaningful to you this year, would you take a moment today to help sustain it? A gift of any size—paired with a note of encouragement if you wish—directly supports the server costs, research work and curation that keep this resource freely available to the world.

Give securely online today, or mail a check to:
Hymnary.org
Calvin University
3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Thank you for your partnership, and may the hope of Advent fill your heart.

By and By

Representative Text

Refrain:
O bye and bye, bye and bye,
I’m gonna lay down my heavy load.

1 I know my robe’s gonna fit me well,
I’m gonna lay down my heavy load.
I tried it on at the gates of hell.
I’m gonna lay down my heavy load. [Refrain]

2 O hell is deep and in dark despair,
I’m gonna lay down my heavy load.
So stop, po’ sinner and don’t go there.
I’m gonna lay down my heavy load. [Refrain]

3 O Christian, can’t you arise and tell,
I’m gonna lay down my heavy load.
That Jesus hath done all things well.
I’m gonna lay down my heavy load. [Refrain]

Source: Lift Every Voice and Sing II: an African American hymnal #3

Text Information

First Line: I know my robe's going to fit me well
Title: By and By
Source: Traditional
Language: English
Refrain First Line: O by and by, by and by
Copyright: Public Domain

Timeline

Instances

Instances (1 - 2 of 2)
Text

Lift Every Voice and Sing II #3

Text

Songs of Zion #164

Include 3 pre-1979 instances
Suggestions or corrections? Contact us
It looks like you are using an ad-blocker. Ad revenue helps keep us running. Please consider white-listing Hymnary.org or getting Hymnary Pro to eliminate ads entirely and help support Hymnary.org.