About the song
“This World is Not My Home” is a beloved gospel song that has been a staple in Christian music for generations. Written by Albert E. Brumley in 1929, the song has been covered by numerous artists, but none more iconic than the legendary Jim Reeves. Reeves’ smooth, velvety voice and soothing delivery have made this song a timeless classic, resonating with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
The song’s lyrics, penned by Brumley, are a poignant reflection on the transience of life on earth and the eternal nature of our true home in heaven. The opening lines, “This world is not my home, I’m just a-passing through,” set the tone for a song that is both a lamentation of the impermanence of earthly life and a declaration of faith in the promise of eternal life.
Throughout the song, Reeves’ gentle crooning and the lush orchestral arrangements create a sense of intimacy and reverence, drawing the listener into a world of contemplation and reflection. The song’s message is both personal and universal, speaking to the human experience of longing for something more, something eternal.
In an era where music is often characterized by its flashiness and superficiality, “This World is Not My Home” stands as a testament to the enduring power of traditional gospel music. Reeves’ rendition, in particular, is a masterclass in subtlety and restraint, allowing the listener to focus on the song’s timeless message rather than its production values.
Over the years, “This World is Not My Home” has been covered by a wide range of artists, from traditional gospel quartets to contemporary Christian musicians. However, Jim Reeves’ version remains the most iconic and widely recognized, a testament to his enduring legacy as a country and gospel music legend.
In this essay, we will delve deeper into the history and significance of “This World is Not My Home,” exploring its themes, musical arrangements, and cultural impact. We will also examine the enduring appeal of Jim Reeves’ version, and why this song remains a beloved classic in the world of Christian music.
Video
Lyrics
This world is not my home
I’m just a-passing through
My treasures are laid up
Somewhere beyond the blue
The angels beckon me
From heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home
In this world anymore
Oh Lord, you know
I have no friend like you
If heaven’s not my home
Then Lord, what will I do?
The angels beckon me
From heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home
In this world anymore
I have a loving mother
Just up in Gloryland
And I don’t expect to stop
Until I shake her hand
She’s waiting now for me
In heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home
In this world anymore
Oh Lord, you know
I have no friend like you
If heaven’s not my home
Then Lord, what will I do?
The angels beckon me
From heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home
In this world anymore
Just over in Gloryland
We’ll live eternally
The saints on every hand
Are shouting victory
Their songs of sweetest praise
Drift back from heaven’s shore
And I can’t feel at home
In this world anymore
Oh Lord, you know
I have no friend like you
If heaven’s not my home
Then Lord, what will I do?
The angels beckon me
From heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home In this world any more