About the Song
Few songs in American music history carry as much hope and comfort as “I’ll Fly Away.” Written in 1929 by Albert E. Brumley, it has become one of the most cherished gospel hymns of all time—sung at homecomings, church services, and funerals for nearly a century. And when Alan Jackson adds his voice to it, the result is something deeply moving: simple, heartfelt, and full of grace.
Alan included “I’ll Fly Away” on his 2006 album Precious Memories—a collection of old gospel hymns recorded not for the radio or the charts, but as a gift for his mother. The entire album is a return to the music of childhood: church pews, hymn books, and family voices rising together on a Sunday morning. And “I’ll Fly Away” shines as one of its most uplifting moments.
There’s nothing flashy in Alan’s version. No orchestras, no heavy production—just a steady acoustic guitar, a touch of piano, soft harmonies, and a voice that knows how to speak directly to the heart. You can hear the peace in his tone, the reverence in his delivery. It’s the kind of singing that doesn’t draw attention to itself—it draws you closer to the message.
The lyrics speak of a day when earthly burdens are lifted, when the soul leaves behind sorrow and pain to rise into everlasting joy. “I’ll fly away, oh glory…” Alan sings not with sadness, but with assurance. It’s not a goodbye filled with grief—it’s a homegoing, filled with hope.
For listeners who grew up with this hymn, or who’ve clung to it in moments of loss or prayer, Alan Jackson’s version feels like coming home. It reminds us that gospel music doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful—it needs to be true. And that’s what Alan brings to every note: truth, humility, and unwavering faith.
Whether played during a quiet morning or a moment of remembrance, “I’ll Fly Away” as sung by Alan Jackson lifts the spirit and settles the soul. It’s more than a song. It’s a promise.