When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder

“When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder” is a hymn full of joyful anticipation. It looks ahead — past today, past sorrow, past the limits of this life — and fixes its hope on the day when Christ gathers His people. It’s a song that marches with gladness, reminding believers that there’s a place and a moment prepared just for them in eternity.

The Story Behind the Hymn

The hymn was written in 1893 by James M. Black, a Sunday school teacher and music leader. One day, during a class roll call, a student failed to respond. That small moment stirred something deeper in his heart — it made him think about the roll call in heaven. Would everyone’s name be called? Would they be ready?

That reflection led him to pen the now-famous chorus: “When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.” He wrote the music and lyrics quickly, and it soon spread through revivals and churches across the country. Its upbeat melody and encouraging message made it a favorite for believers eager to sing of heaven with hope and assurance.

What Makes It Powerful

This hymn isn’t weighed down by sorrow — it’s lifted by promise. It speaks of a day to come, when time shall be no more, and the faithful will rise to meet their Savior. The lyrics are simple, but the message is profound: be ready.

A verse that captures this hope is 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 (NIV):

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven… and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive… will be caught up… to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

That’s the picture this hymn paints — a heavenly gathering, names called out, and eternal joy in the presence of Jesus.

My Violin Cover

When I arranged “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder” for violin, I leaned into its upbeat, almost marching rhythm. It’s a hymn that walks forward with gladness — not somber, but full of hope. I kept the tempo bright and the phrasing clear, to reflect that joy.

With Violin Hymns, I aim to let the emotion of the song lead the arrangement. This one didn’t ask for quiet reflection — it asked for joyful expectation.



Listen and Reflect

The video is below. As you listen, let this hymn stir up hope in your heart. The roll will be called — and for those in Christ, there’s no fear in that moment, only joy. When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time shall be no more… when the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Lyrics

When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time shall be no more,

And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;

When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore,

And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

When the roll is called up yonder,

When the roll is called up yonder,

When the roll is called up yonder,

When the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise,

And the glory of his resurrection share;

When his chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies,

And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun;

Let us talk of all his wondrous love and care.

Then when all of life is over and our work on earth is done,

And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.