I was driving home from the airport at night coming home from a business trip when I started humming this tune. It was in a style created by African Americans. We tried very hard to make the lyrics match the style. Many thanks to Steve and Larry for contributing to the lyrics. - Elton, October 8, 1999
You'll notice there is a comment asking "where is the recording?". 24 years after writing the song, we finally completed it. I found Samuel on Fiverr and sent him a recording of me singing along with lots of instructions, and he was able to record in the style. I also made a video for the song. - Elton July 24, 2023
See the images for this song in the Image Search.
(Verse 1)
When I was just a little child
My mama said to me,
She said, "child, don't you ever be discouraged.
The Lord provides your every need,
Be patient while he grows the seed,
And soon we will join the harvest song of joy".
(Chorus 1)
Out in the fields we labor every day
And as we share the Word we often say,
"How long, how long till our Lord arrives,
And we are taken to our home on high?".
(Verse 2)
My mama taught me how to work
She taught me how to pray.
She prayed, "Lord, please have mercy on Your servant.
Our life is hard, our labor long,
But through Your mercy we are strong.
O, bring us the rest You promised long ago."
(Chorus 2)
How long, how long, O Lord till Your return?
Waiting for You, O Lord, our hearts do yearn
To be with You and Your face to see.
How long, how long, before You set us free?
(Bridge)
How long O Lord till Your return?
O Lord, we pray You hear our cry.
We long to be finally free,
And plant our feet in Paradise.
(Verse 3)
When I was grown and on my own
Lord called my mama home
There to live in that mansion built in Glory.
One day I'll see her face again,
The gates of heav'n I'll enter in.
Praise God, no longer will I have to say:
(Chorus 3)
How long, how long, O Lord till Your return?
Waiting for You, O Lord, our hearts do yearn.
We'll keep the faith till You do arrive,
Coming to take us to our home on high!
(Ending)
We'll keep the faith till You do arrive,
Coming to take us to our home on high!
Our home on high!
Copyright © 1999 Elton Smith, Steve Israel and Larry Holder
