About The Song
In the remarkable arc of Reba McEntire’s career, I’ll Fly Away, released in 2017 as part of her gospel album Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope, stands as a jubilant celebration of spiritual liberation. Written by Albert E. Brumley in 1929, this beloved hymn finds vibrant new life through Reba’s spirited delivery, featured on a double-disc collection that topped Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart and earned a 2018 Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album. For those who cherish music’s power to uplift and inspire, this song is a soaring testament to faith’s promise, evoking memories of church pews and the hope of eternal freedom. Its lively melody and Reba’s exuberant vocals resonate deeply with mature listeners, who may have heard it during her 2017 Ryman Auditorium performances or embraced it as a highlight of her gospel legacy.
The song bursts into life with a bright acoustic guitar and a toe-tapping rhythm, produced by Reba alongside Doug Sisemore and Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts. The arrangement, featuring Jonathan Yudkin’s lively fiddle and Ilya Toshinsky’s banjo, channels the hymn’s traditional roots with a modern country-gospel flair, backed by a jubilant choir. Reba’s voice, rich with Oklahoma soul, carries the lyrics with infectious joy: “I’ll fly away, oh glory / I’ll fly away in the morning.” For those who first encountered it on February 3, 2017, via Nash Icon Records, or saw it performed on the My Chains Are Gone DVD, it’s a nostalgic reminder of Reba’s ability to infuse timeless hymns with contemporary energy, as noted on Spotify and Genius.
Lyrically, I’ll Fly Away is a cornerstone of gospel music, offering a vivid vision of transcendence: “When I die, hallelujah, by and by / I’ll fly away.” The verses, with imagery of escaping “this prison called my home” to a “land where joy shall never end,” speak to the soul’s longing for eternal peace, as shared on Lyrics.com. For older listeners, who may have sung this in rural churches or found comfort in it during life’s trials, Reba’s rendition feels like a triumphant homecoming, celebrating faith’s promise of release. A 2017 CCM Magazine review praised her “spirited, authentic delivery,” noting its ability to connect with those who hold gospel close to their hearts.
Musically, the track is a masterclass in blending tradition with vitality. The upbeat tempo, recorded at Nashville’s Starstruck Studios, is driven by a hand-clapping rhythm and gospel choir harmonies, creating a communal, celebratory feel, as detailed on Shazam. Its performance at the Ryman, captured on YouTube, electrified audiences, with Reba’s commanding presence earning standing ovations, per Billboard. The song’s inclusion alongside hymns like Jesus Loves Me and originals like Back to God underscores Reba’s deep-rooted faith, shaped by her upbringing, as she shared in a 2017 Taste of Country interview. Its cultural resonance, evidenced by covers from artists like Alan Jackson, affirms its enduring place in gospel’s canon.
For fans who’ve followed Reba’s journey—from her 1976 debut to her The Voice coaching and 2024 sitcom Happy’s Place—this track is a vibrant testament to her spiritual conviction. Whether rediscovered on SoundCloud or cherished on CD, I’ll Fly Away invites you to join its joyful ascent and find hope in its promise. It’s a reminder that gospel music, through Reba’s voice, can lift the spirit, offering a melody that carries the soul toward a horizon of endless light.