Recently I drove from Georgia to North Carolina for the funeral of a friend, leaving before dawn to make it to the service. In the early morning light, I searched for an original version of the traditional shape note song “White.”

Although the name of this blog comes from the song, I had only heard single artists cover it, not a Sacred Harp chorus. I listened to one version, then listened to it again, then a second version, and a third. The song can be lilting, even haunting, with just one singer, but within the foursquare shape note choir it took on a triumphant tone.

Farewell my friends whose tender care
Has long engaged my love
Your fond embrace I now exchange
For better friends above

I’m a long time travelling here below
I’m a long time travelling away from home
I’m a long time travelling here below
To lay this body down

There are many joyful religious songs in the American folk tradition that are about dying — some treat life is a burden of suffering best left behind, others are eager for the infinite joy of heaven. “White” is unusual in that it both celebrates the life that has been lived and looks forward to peace when we lay this body down. There may be better friends ahead, the springs of joy on earth may be dry, but there was happiness and love here below, at least for a time — a triumph indeed.

Perhaps that is why the song has been following me since that morning, driving between South Carolina pines, sleep deprived and uncomfortable in a rarely worn suit. Like a good funeral, it is a celebration of the life that has been lived as much as a marking of its end. It is a reminder that even at the end of a long road, there can still be brightness and joy.