1.

Gone from the body, with God home to stay,
Clothed is your spirit in snow-white array.
Yes, home you’ve been taken—the “clay house” forsaken.
You quietly left when God called you away.

2.

Our bodies are only dwellings of clay
Where heav’n-born spirits are tried on life’s way.
When God’s work’s completed, the dwelling’s not needed.
A spirit made perfect cannot on earth stay.

3.

Now you are home, and your battle is past.
Free is your spirit—your “house” from you cast.
Your deep aspiration has no limitation.
The source of your longings you’ve come to at last.

4.

Now between us and your spirit are strands
Knit in a bond which eternity spans.
This comforts our hearts here midst grief of departure.
These bonds have been made by the Bridegroom’s own hands.

Written by Anna Bjerkeli (published in 1935)Composed by Rudolf SchwaigerText and melody © Stiftelsen Skjulte Skatters ForlagNorway ⋅ G