Sometimes a concept is too much for just one songwriter to say it all. Here are several takes on the idea of laying down burdens.
I’ve limited the list to songs titled “When I Lay My Burdens Down.” Three of these are well-known. I only have access to printed versions of the other seven; I can’t remember ever hearing any of the seven lesser-known songs performed.
1. Doc & Merle Watson sing a traditional version that’s been around so long and altered so many times no one remembers who originally wrote it. It’s interesting that of all the variations, this is the only one that avoids rhyming the word “down” with the obvious “crown.”
2. Here’s a verse and a chorus credited to A. M. Newbill, Stamps, Yandell and Baxter from 1929 (4/4 meter).
There’s a land of beauty and pure delight. It is across the river where there will be no night; There I’ll wear a beautiful golden crown when I lay my heavy burdens down. When in His presence there I lay all my burdens down, I shall receive from Him a beautiful golden crown; No more sorrow, never a sign or frown, When I lay my heavy burdens down.
3. Here’s a verse and a chorus from B. B. Edmiason and Frank L. Jones published in 1958. This is my favorite of the seven songs where I only have a printed version (4/4 meter).
Burdens here sometimes seem heavy, as I travel on the road, and it seems that nothing can my troubles drown (troubles drown); But the Savior’s blest assurance helps me bear the heavy load, And tomorrow I shall lay my burdens down (lay them down). When I lay (when I shall lay) my burdens down (all burdens down), From the Savior I’ll receive the promised crown (promised crown). He’ll give strength (he’ll give me strength) to bear them here (while I am here), And tomorrow I shall lay my burdens down (lay them down).
4. In 1961, Clark Mobley wrote this verse and chorus (3/4 meter):
In this land of heartache, sin and woe, Many burdens come my way; But the Lord will help me this I know, For I feel Him near each day. When I lay my burdens down one day, I’ll take up my robe and crown; What a great relief praise God I’ll say, When I lay my burdens down.
5. The Oak Ridge Boys sing Hansel Vibbert’s classic song from the mid-1960s.
6. Here’s a verse and a chorus written by Charles L. Towler & Jesse L. Brown in 1971 (4/4 meter).
There is trouble everywhere. Men are groping in despair, looking here and there to find a better way (a better way). But I have assurance sweet that in Jesus I’m complete, and I know that there will come a brighter day (a brighter day). Some glad day (some glad day) I’ll be going home to heaven, to receive (to receive) my robe and crown (my robe and shining crown). Then I’ll sing (then I’ll sing) and I’ll praise His name forever, when I lay (when I lay) my burdens down (lay them down).
7. Here’s a verse and chorus by C W McCoy and Sidney Hicks written in 1974 (4/4 meter).
There will be great joy, nothing to annoy, when I lay my heavy burdens down; Songs of praise to sing, millions there to sing, When I lay my heavy burdens down. When I lay my heavy burdens down, And then go home to wear a crown. Heaven’s joys will always there abound, When I lay my heavy burdens down.
8. The Pine Ridge Boys sing Daryl Williams’ song from the mid-1990s.
9. The subject is still being addressed in recent years. Gene Calton wrote this verse and chorus in 2010 (4/4 meter).
Traveling down life’s weary road, bent beneath a heavy load, Sacrifice for kindred, friends and neighbors all around; Still my loving Savior’s hand leads me through the sinking sand, ’til I reach the promised land and lay my burdens down. Then I will lay my burdens down. Put on a robe as white as snow and wear a shining crown; Yes I will lay my burdens down. I’ll feel a whole lot better when I lay my burdens down.
10. Gerald Reeves wrote this verse and chorus in 2011 (4/4 meter).
On some cloudless morning, I will sail away, I’ll bid this world goodbye (goodbye). There I’ll see my Savior who was crucified, I’ll reign with Him on high (on high). Soon I will be Heaven bound. When the Sun of life goes down. I’ll receive my robe and crown (golden crown), When I lay my burdens down.
(Special thanks to Pauline Thompson for supplying all the printed versions of the song for this comparison!)