1 Over the river the crystal stream flows,
Over the river the tree of life grows;
Over the river each lone pilgrim goes,
Thro' the dim portals of death.
Close by our threshold the dark angel stands,
Beck'ning us on with his pale, trembling hands;
Chilling our hearts with the cold icy bands,
Stealing each quivering breath.
Chorus:
Over the river,
Over the river,
Over the river
the streets are of gold.
2 Over the river the streets are of gold,
There are enjoyments and pleasures untold;
Over the river time never grows old,
Bearing the burden of years.
There all our sighing and sorrows shall cease,
Hushed by the chorus of heavenly peace;
Over the river, thrice happy release,
We shall be free from our fears. [Chorus]
3 There every tear shall be wiped from our eyes,
There, where the sunlight of glory ne'er dies;
Lighting forever those fair upper skies,
Eden's glad plains to adorn.
Over the river, fair kingdom of light,
There heaven's mansions forever are bright;
Over the river there cometh no night,
Long is eternity's morn. [Chorus]
4 Over the river, we've crossed it at last;
Over the river our danger is past;
Safe in the harbor our barks are moored fast
Ne'er from their haven to roam.
Then will we sing with the glorified throng,
Loud hallelujahs in one happy song;
Praising the power that has brought us along,
Over the river--at home. [Chorus]
Source: The Morning Star: a collection of new sacred songs, for the Sunday school, prayer meeting, and the social circle #78