Poems and Readings for Funerals

Kate BucklandBlog

Poetry, quotes and other kinds of prose are often used during funerals and memorial services as a way to pay tribute to a person who has passed away. Sharing such pieces of short literature are not only a wonderful way to remember and celebrate the person you have lost, but they can also be useful in helping people to cope with grief and offer comfort.

We’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite poems and readings that you might like to consider if you’re planning a funeral.

Remember, it’s always important to acknowledge the author when known in order to comply with copyright laws.

Bible Verses

The Lord’s Prayer: 

Our Father, who art in heaven
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done on Earth
As it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the Kingdom
The power and the glory,
For ever and ever.

Amen

John 3:16-21

 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.   Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.   This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.   Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.   But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.”

John 14 : 1 – 6

Jesus said to his disciples, “Don’t be worried!  Have faith in God and have faith in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house.  I wouldn’t tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for you.  After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together. You know the way to where I am going.”  Thomas said: “Lord, we don’t even know where you are going!  How can we know the way?”  “I am the way, the truth, and the life!” Jesus answered. “Without me, no one can go to the Father.”

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want;
he makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of death,
I fear no evil;
for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff,
they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
thou anointest my head with oil,
my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all of the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the hills: but where shall I find help?
My help comes from the Lord:
who has made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer your foot to stumble:
and he who watches over you will not sleep.
Be sure he who has charge of Israel:
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord himself is your keeper:
the Lord is your defence upon your right hand;
The sun shall not strike you by day:
nor shall the moon by night.
The Lord will defend you from all evil:
it is he who will guard your life.
The Lord will defend your going out and your coming in:
from this time forward for evermore.

Psalm 121 (122)

Response: I rejoiced when I heard them say: let us go to the house of the Lord.

I rejoiced because they said to me,
“We will go up to the house of the Lord”.
And now we have set foot within your gates, O Jerusalem.

To it the tribes go up,
The tribes of the Lord.
According to the decrees for Israel
To give thanks to the name of the Lord.

In it are set up judgment seats,
Seats for the house of David.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
May those who love you prosper!
May peace be within your walls,
Prosperity in your buildings.

Because of my relatives and friends
I will say, “Peace be within you!”
Because of the house of the Lord, our God,
I will pray for your good.

1st Corinthians 

“I may be able to speak the languages of human beings and even of angels, but if I have no love, my speech is no more than a noisy gong or a clanging bell.  I may have the gift of inspired preaching;  I may have all knowledge and understand all secrets;  I may have all the faith needed to move mountains—but if I have no love, I am nothing.  I may give away everything I have, and even give up my body to be burnt—but if I have no love, this does me no good.”

Non Religious

A Butterfly Lights Beside Us
– Unknown

“A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam.
And for a brief moment its glory and beauty
belong to our world.
But then it flies on again,
and though we wish it could have stayed,
we feel so lucky to have seen it.”

A Golden Heart
– Unknown

They say it’s a beautiful journey
From the old world to the new.
Someday we’ll all take that journey,
Up the stairway that leads to you.

And when we reach that garden
Where all are free from pain
We’ll put our arms around you, NAME,
And we’ll never part again.

For God looked around his garden,
And found an empty space,
Then He looked upon the Earth,
And found a lady full of grace.

A golden heart had stopped beating,
Two hands were laid to rest.
The garden must be beautiful,
Because He only takes the best.

Life Well Lived
– Unknown

A life well lived is a precious gift
Of hope and strength and grace,
From someone who has made our world
A brighter, better place.

It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad
With smiles and sometimes tears,
With friendships formed and good times shared
And laughter through the years.

A life well lived is a legacy
Of joy and pride and pleasure,
A living, lasting memory
Our grateful hearts will treasure

A Limb Has Fallen From The Family Tree
– Unknown

A limb has fallen from the family tree.
I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me.
Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.
The good life I lived while I was strong.

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.
Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small.
Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls.

I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.
Until the day comes we’re together again.”

A Sad Farewell – Author Unknown

Sad and lonely days have passed
since our great sorrow fell
The grief that we received that day,
no one can ever tell.

God gave us strength to meet it,
and courage to bear the blow.
For what it meant to lose you,
no one will ever know.

It’s lonely here without you,
we miss you more each day.
For life is not the same to us,
since you were called away.

You bade us not a last farewell,
nor even said good-bye.
You were gone before we knew it,
and only God knows why.

It broke our hearts to lose you,
but you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you,
the night God called you home.

Her Journey’s Just Begun
Unknown

Don’t think of her as gone away
her journey’s just begun;
life holds so many facets
this earth is only one.

Just think of her as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.

Think how she must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away

And think of her as living
in the hearts of those she touched
for nothing loved is ever lost
and she was loved so much.

I Am Free
Author Unknown

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free,
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard his call,
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I’ve found that peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My Life’s been full, I savoured much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.

If I should go
By Joyce Grenfell

If I should go before the rest of you
Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone
Nor when I’m gone speak in a Sunday voice
But be the usual selves that I have known
Weep if you must
Parting is hell But life goes on,
So sing as well. 

I’m drinking from my Saucer
Author Unknown

I’ve never made a fortune
And I guess it’s too late now.
But I don’t worry about that much
Because I’m happy anyhow.

As I go through life’s journeys
I’m reaping better than I’ve sowed.
For I’m drinking from my saucer
Because my cup has overflowed.

I don’t have a lot of riches,
And sometimes the going’s tough.
But I’ve got family who love me,
And that makes me rich enough.

So I just thank God for His blessings
And the mercy He’s bestowed
For I’m drinking from my saucer
Because my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when everything went wrong,
And my faith grew kind of thin,
But after a while, those dark clouds broke,
And the sun peeped through again.

So Lord, help me not to gripe
About the tough rows I have hoed.
For I’m drinking from my saucer
Because my cup has overflowed.

And if God grants me strength and courage
When the ways grow steep and rough.
I’ll not ask for other blessings
‘Cause I’ve been blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy
To help another bear his load.
And I’ll keep drinking from my saucer
Because my cup has overflowed.

After Glow
Author Unknown

I’d like the memory of me
To be a Happy One
I’d like to leave an after
Glow of smiles when
Life is done.

I’d like to leave an echo
Whispering softly
Down the ways
Of happy times and
Laughing times and
Bright and sunny days.

I’d like the tears of those
Who grieve, to dry
Before the sun
Of happy memories that I
Leave when life is done.

A Smile For All
– Unknown

A smile for all, a heart of gold.
One of the best, the world could hold.
Never selfish, always kind.
These are the memories you’ve left behind.

A Truckers Prayer
Author Unknown

Dear God above bless this truck I drive
and help me keep someone alive.
Be my mortal sight this day
On streets where little children play.

Bless my helper fast asleep when the night is long
and keep my cargo safe and sound
through the hours big and round.

Make my judgement sound as steel,
and be my hands upon the wheel.

Bless the traveler going past,
and teach them not to go to fast.

Give me strength for every trip,
so I may care for what they ship,
and make me mindful every mile,
That life is just a little while.

Cowboys Prayer

“Our gracious and heavenly father we pause,
mindful of the many blessings
you have bestowed upon us.
We ask that you be with us in this RODEO,
and we pray that you will guide us in the arena of life.”

“We don’t ask for special favours: 
we don’t ask to draw around a chutefighting horse or
never to break a barrier, nor do we ask for all daylight runs,
or not to draw a steer that won’t lay.”

“Help us LORD to live in such a manner that when we make
that last inevitable ride to the country up there,
where the grass grows lush green and stirrup-high
and the waters run cool clear and deep,
that you as our last judge will tell us:
Our entry fees are paid.”                     AMEN

Close The Gate
By Nancy Kraayenhof

For this one farmer the worries are over, lie down and rest your head,
Your time has been and struggles enough, put the tractor in the shed.
Years were not easy, many downright hard, but your faith in God transcended,
Put away your tools and sleep in peace. The fences have all been mended.
You raised a fine family, worked the land well and always followed the sun,
Hang up your shovel inside of the barn; your work here on earth is done.
A faith few possess led your journey through life, often a jagged and stony way,
The sun is setting, the cattle are all bedded, and here now is the end of your day.
Your love of God’s soil has passed on to your kin; the stories flow like fine wine,
Wash off your work boots in the puddle left by blessed rain one final time.
You always believed that the good Lord would provide and He always had somehow,
Take off your gloves and put them down, no more sweat and worry for you now.
Your labor is done, your home now is heaven; no more must you wait,
Your legacy lives on, your love of the land, and we will close the gate.

Do Not Stand At My Grave
By Mary Elizabeth Frye

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
I am the shining star at night,
When you awake to the morning light.

My time has come, I am at rest,
I am the sunset in the west,
I am the clouds that race above,
Where I watch over those  I love.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die,
So hear the words that here I say,
I am the love that guides your way.

God Saw You Getting Tired
Author Unknown

God saw you getting tired
and a cure was not to be
so he put his arms around you
and whispered,
“Come to Me”

With tearful eyes we watched you
and saw you pass away
and although we love you dearly
we could not make you stay.

A Golden heart stopped beating
hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best

Poems for the loss of a child

A Picture Of You
By Deborah Robinson

I only have a picture now,
A frozen piece of time,
To remind me of how it was,
When you were here, and mine.

I see your smiling eyes,
Each morning when I wake,
I talk to you, and place a kiss,
Upon your lovely face.

How much I miss you being here,
I really cannot say,
The ache is deep inside my heart,
And never goes away.

I hear it mentioned often,
That time will heal the pain,
But if I’m being honest,
I hope it will remain.

I need to feel you constantly,
To get me through the day,
I loved you so very much,
Why did you go away?

The angels came and took you,
That really wasn’t fair,
They took my one and only Son,
My future life. My heir.

If only they had asked me,
If I would take your place,
I would have done so willingly,
Leaving you this world to grace.

You should have had so many years,
To watch your life unfold,
And in the mist of this,
Watch me, your Mum grow old!

I hope you’re watching from above,
At the daily tasks I do,
And let there be no doubt at all,
I really do love you.

A Tiny Angel Face
Author Unknown

A tiny angel face, two sparkling little eyes,
The cutest button nose, our precious sweet surprise.
Mummy loved you dearly, you set Daddy’s heart awhirl,
The joy of all the family our most darling little son.

You closed your eyes so quickly, you didn’t stay for long,
Taken oh so tragically, sweet baby, it seems so wrong.
Divided as we are, we will never be apart,
As you will always live inside your parents’ hearts.

A message to our darling
By Kirsten Sorensen

Remember that Mummy loves you
Just the way you are. 

Her precious little baby
Who will never be too far.

Remember Daddy loves you.
He can’t believe you’re gone,
But in his loving heart,
You will always live on.

Remember your Sisters and your Brother,
They all love you too,
And are waiting for the day,
That they can play with you.

Remember how deeply you are loved
By family far and wide.
Every step of your journey,
We will be by your side,

I know if you could talk
You would want to say
Mummy and Daddy don’t you cry
As I will be with you every day.

She would want us all to be strong
And hold our heads up high.
She will never be forgotten 
In our hearts her soul will lie.

She is the light of the moon
And the sunlight in the sky.
We should not be upset
As this is not goodbye.

Poems for the loss of a mother

A Mother’s Crown
Author Unknown

Heaven lit up with a mighty presence,
as the Angels all looked down.
Today the Lord was placing the jewels
Into my mother’s crown.

He held up a golden crown,
as my darling mother looked on.
He said in His gentle voice,
‘I will now explain each one.’

‘The first gem,’ He said, ‘is a Ruby,
and it’s for endurance alone,
for all the nights you waited up
for your children to come home.’

‘For all the nights by their bedside,
you stayed till the fever went down.
For nursing every little wound,
I add this ruby to your crown.’

‘An emerald, I’ll place by the ruby,
for leading your child in the right way.
For teaching them the lessons,
That made them who they are today.’

‘For always being right there,
through all life’s important events.
I give you a sapphire stone,
for the time and love you spent.’

‘For untying the strings that held them,
when they grew up and left home.
I give you this one for courage.’
Then the Lord added a garnet stone.

‘I’ll place a stone of amethyst,’ He said.
‘For all the times you spent on your knees,
when you asked if I’d take care of your children,
and then for having faith in Me.’

‘I have a pearl for every little sacrifice
that you made without them knowing.
For all the times you went without,
to keep them happy, healthy and growing.’

‘And last of all I have a diamond,
the greatest one of all,
for sharing unconditional love
whether they were big or small.’

‘It was your love that helped them grow
Feeling safe and happy and proud
A love so strong and pure
It could shift the darkest cloud.’

After the Lord placed the last jewel in,
He said, ‘Your crown is now complete,
You’ve earned your place in Heaven
With your children at your feet.’

A Mother’s Love
Author Unknown

Whether she’s here or in heaven,
Mother’s love is our haven and guide,
for always the memory of Mother
is a beacon light shining inside.

Time cannot destroy the memory,
and years can never erase
the tenderness and the beauty
of the love in a Mother’s face.

And when we think of our mothers,
we draw nearer to God above,
for only God in His greatness
could fashion a mother’s love.

A Mother’s Love
by Helen Steiner Rice

A Mother’s love is something
that no one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion
and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish
and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it
or take that love away . . .

It is patient and forgiving
when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters
even though the heart is breaking . . .

It believes beyond believing
when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty
of the rarest, brightest gems . . .

It is far beyond defining,
it defies all explanation,
And it still remains a secret
like the mysteries of creation . . .

A many splendored miracle
man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence
of God’s tender guiding hand.

Farewell Dear Mother
Author Unknown

Somewhere in my heart beneath all my grief and pain,
Is a smile I still wear at the sound of your dear name.
The precious word is ‘MOTHER’, she was my world you see,
But now my heart is breaking cause she’s no longer here with me.

God chose her for His angel to watch me from above,
To guide me and advise me and know that I’m still loved.
The day she had to leave me when her life on earth was through,
God had better plans for her, for this, I surely knew.

When I think of her kind heart and all those loving years,
My memories surround me and I can’t hold back the tears.
She truly was my best friend, someone I could confide in,
She always had a tender touch and a warm and gentle grin.

I want to thank you Mother for teaching me so well,
And though the time has come that I must bid you this farewell.
I’ll remember all you’ve taught me and make you proud you’ll see.
Thank you my Dear Mother for all the love you showed me.

Although you’ve left this earth and now you’ve taken flight,
I know that you are here with me each morning, noon and night.

Poems for the loss of a Father

Dad
Author Unknown

What I’d give if I could say “Hello Dad”
in the same old way. 
To hear his voice and see his smile,
to sit with him and chat for a while.
So if your father is still here,
cherish him with care,
for you’ll never know the heartache
until you see his empty chair.

Goodbye Dad
By Leanne Brady

It’s never the right time
To say goodbye.
I will miss you, Dad,
And here is why.
You taught me so much:
To show no fear,
To always have fun,
And face the day with cheer.

You were always so able,
So fast and so strong.
In your little girl’s eyes
You could do no wrong.
You would always listen,
And you never pried.
You were the arms around me
When I cried.

You never looked for praises,
And you were never one to boast.
You were always there
For those you loved the most.

You worked so hard,
And those strong working hands
Led me through life
And helped me understand
That life can be hard,
And tough, and sad,
But through it all
I had my Dad.

And because of you,
I understood
That life was actually
Pretty good.
I believe in you
And will follow your path,
And when things go wrong,
I’ll look back and laugh.

I hope you can hear me
So I can let you know
That you were and will forever
Be my superhero.
So yes, today
I am full of sorrow,
But I will smile a little more
With each tomorrow.

So please, Dad, go
Be at rest
And know to me
You were always the best.

I love you so much and miss you every day!

Poems for the loss of a grandparent

5 Roses for Grandad
Author Unknown

The first rose we give to you, NAME, our grandfather
Represents joy—the joy you gave to us as a husband, father and grandfather.
The pain of losing you is with us now
However, we are reminded of the joyous times
Spent with you—the happiest moments in our lives and all you meant to our family. 
We will always miss you.

The second rose represents courage
To confront our sorrow
To comfort each other and to remind us
That you, NAME, faced many hardships and battles
And yet had a smile for all your loved ones.

The third rose we give you, NAME, in memory
For the times we laughed, the times we cried
The times we were angry at the silly things you did
How we learned to love your laughter and silly jokes
Most of all—your loving hugs at all times.

The fourth rose represents all the love we received
For the beautiful memories we have of you
For your warm presence—the special times spent together
The grandfatherly hugs and the love extended
At family gatherings.

 The fifth rose is to thank you for the gift of life
You brought us into this world-and we are grateful.
Whenever we look at each other or our loved ones
We will see a part of you in them—a living legacy of your touch.
We will remember the good times and the not so good times
And all the special moments shared with you.

We will love you, NAME,  forever!

Our Nanna
Author Unknown

Her smile can light up a room
Her presence is of grace
Her opinions are heard without one word
But by the look upon her face.
Her touch is so gentle
Her heart is as big as the moon
Her spirit is kind-hearted
And as warm as a summer’s afternoon.
Her kisses are so soft
Her hugs are preferred from the rest
Our Nanna is ours forever and ever…
…And she will always be the best.

Grandfather poem
Author Unknown

I know we are all feeling a little bit sad,
That we’ve lost our Grandpop, our friend and our dad
Together we have cried an ocean of tears
As we feel so empty and hold many fears

But Grandpop would want us to know he’s in a good place
And that he watching us all with a smile on his face
As we have made him so proud, as proud as can be
That he has raised such a beautiful and special family

Thinking back now I really must say
I feel lucky and privileged to have known Grandpop to this day
For in my life, you have played a special part
The memories I will treasure and keep close to your heart

Although he has gone we will always be together
And his spirit will live on each one of us forever
When you look to the sky, look for the brightest star
As that will be Grandpa looking down on us from afar

Grandmother
Author Unknown

As our journey together ends
we will be at your side through
the long night vigil

We will walk with you through
loving and comforting you.

But as your journey takes a turn
on the road we’ve never traveled
we must let you go.

Thank you for leaving us with memories to
mend our broken hearts.

Joy comes in the morning
because now you are home.

While we honour all our mothers
with words of love and praise.

While we tell about their goodness
and their kind and loving ways.

We should also think of Grandma,
she’s a mother too, you see,
for she mothered by dear mother
as my mother mother’d me.

Poems for the loss of a sibling

Good-Bye Brother
By Sunshine

Heaven has called upon you today,
leaving so many words left to say.
But now it’s too late, for your time has come,
words unspoken; I am sure everybody has some.
Regrets and wishes are probably there too,
but lasting forever are memories of you.
I was there when you needed a place to stay,
just like you would be there for me night or day.
There have been many times that we disagreed,
but we were there for each other in time of need.
Now it’s time for me to say Good-Bye,
until we meet again in heaven to fly.

My Brother, My Friend
By Karen

It’s been a while since you’ve been gone
Things just haven’t been the same,

This just does not seem real,
And who is there to blame?

Do not question god, that’s what they say,
But who can explain why they took my big brother away?

I miss you so much; I have so much to say,
Every time I go somewhere they always mention your name.

Such a good person,
a caring man,
a son,
a big brother,
and a great friend.

You are in a much better place now,
All your problems have gone away,
But remember we will meet on the other side
One sweet day!!!!!!!

I Never Saw Your Wings (Modified)
Unknown Author

How is it that I never saw your wings
when you were here with me?
When you closed your eyes and soared
to the Heavens I could hear the
faint flutter of you wings as you left.
Your body no longer on this side
Your spirit here eternally I see your halo shine.
I close my eyes and see the multi-coloured wings
surround me in my saddest moments and my happiest times.
Sister my angel God has given you your assignment
always my sister forever my angel.
You fly into my dreams and when I am asleep
I feel your wings brush against my face wiping away
the tears I shed since I can no longer hold
you in my arms but in my heart.
You earned those wings dear sister
and you will always be my angel eternal.

Lose You
By Adriana

Never thought I’d lose you,
But here I am,
Standing alone,
Without you by my side,
We’re sisters for life,
We promised,
But now you’re gone,
I don’t know what to do,
Without you,
I’m going crazy,
I’m trying to hold on,
To keep strong,
But it just doesn’t feel right,
I’m waiting here,
My arms wide open,
Tears running down my face,
Ready for your return,
Even if it takes forever,
My sister…

Memories
By Tamarah M. Olsen

My memories are what I have left,
and a lesson I will not forget.

The time has come when time is no more
and all that’s left was once before.

The memories so dear and true,
those memories of me and you.

Although we fell and stumbled at times,
all those hills were necessary climbs.

All the times when your heart shined through
are the greatest memories I have of you.

I will always remember you, brother of mine.
In my heart I will keep you, so I will be fine.

I will go forward with my head up high.
It might be hard, I cannot lie.

But in my heart you will be,
moving forward, you with me.

Poems for the loss of a spouse

Reading from a Bereaved Husband/Wife
Author Unknown

To hear your voice, to see your smile,
To sit and talk with you a while,
To be together in the same old way,
Would be my only wish today.

We laugh, we cry, we play our part
But behind it all lies a broken heart.
We hide our tears when we speak your name,
Without you NAME, life’s not the same.

When I Close My Eyes
By Jason Duncan

When I close my eyes
You are here
Your charisma, your cheer, your tenderness
I feel you here

When I close my eyes
You are with me
Your spirit, your beauty, your charm
I feel you with me

When I close my eyes
You are in my arms
Your warmth, your compassion, your love
I feel you in my arms

No matter how far apart
Nor what the circumstance
I feel you here with me, in my arms; always
When I close my eyes.

My love, My husband

by Michelle Perez

Flowers, Cards, Condolences
Is what I had today
It doesn’t seem enough
For what I had to trade
I lost my One and Only
My Lover and My Friend
My Partner in Life
My “I’ll love you to the End”
Well now the end has come
And I just can’t take the pain
I feel like my hearts been tore apart
Been ran over by a train
Please be there awaiting
To take me by the hand
To lead me thru the pearly gates
To guide me thru God’s land.