The Singing Cookes Lyrics
"When I Cross That River"

Last night as I lay sleeping
A dream appeared to me
I dreamed about the end of time
About eternity
I saw a million sinners
fall on their knees to pray
the Lord he sadly shook his head
and this I heard him say,
Sorry I never knew you
Depart from me forevermore.
Sorry I never knew you
Go and serve the one that you have served before.

I thought the time had fully come
That I must stand the trial.
I told the Lord that I had been
A Christian all the while
But through his book he took a look
and sadly shook his head
then placed me over on his left
and this I heard him say,
Sorry, I never knew you.
I find no record of your birth.
Sorry, I never knew you.
Go and serve the one that you served down on Earth.

There were my wife and children
I heard their loving voice
They must have been so happy
O how they did rejoice.
Their robes of white around them
their faces all aglow.
My little girl looked over at me
and this I heard her say,
Daddy, we can't go with you.
We must dwell in the joys of our Lord
Sorry, for we still love you
But you cannot be our Daddy anymore.

Now when I had awakened
The tears were in my eyes
And looking all around me
And there to my suprise
There were my loving babies
I knew it was a dream
And beside that bed of mine
You should have heard me scream
Father, Lord in Glory
I know thou gave thine only Son
Father, please forgive me
For I want to be ready when you come.