1. They’re gath’ring homeward from ev’ry land,
One by one! one by one!
As their weary feet touch the shining strand,
Yes, one by one!
They rest with the Savior, they wait their crown,
Their travel-stained garments are all laid down;
They wait the white raiment the Lord shall prepare
For all who the glory with Him shall share.

Refrain
Gath’ring home! gath’ring home!
Fording the river one by one!
Gath’ring home, gath’ring home,
Yes, one by one!

2. Before they rest they pass thro’ the strife,
One by one! one by one!
Thro’ the waters of death they enter life,
Yes, one by one!
To some are the floods of the river still,
As they ford on their way to the heavenly hill;
The waves to others run fiercely and wild,
Yet they reach the home of the undefiled. [Refrain]

3. We too must come to the riverside,
One by one! one by one!
We are nearer its waters each eventide,
Yes, one by one!
We can hear the noise of the dashing stream,
Oft now and again, thro’ our life’s deep dream;
Sometimes the dark floods all the banks overflow,
Sometimes in ripples and small waves go. [Refrain]

4. Oh, Jesus, Redeemer, we look to Thee,
One by one! one by one!
We lift up our voices tremblingly,
Yes, one by one!
The waves of the river are dark and cold,
But we know the place where our feet shall hold;
O Thou who didst pass thro’ the deepest midnight,
Now guide us, and send us the staff and light. [Refrain]