"Glory Hallelujah, How They'll Sing" is a song written and performed by Bobbie Gentry. It tells the story of a rural community coming together for a day of country singing and a "dinner on the ground" event, which was a tradition in some Southern churches. The lyrics describe the family getting up early in the morning and heading to the church house in a pickup truck, with everyone packed tightly in the vehicle. They join neighbors and friends from miles around for the day's festivities. During the singing, the women in the group use hand-embroidered linen to dab their throats and brows, attempting to cool themselves with cardboard fans that double as advertisements for a funeral parlor. On the other side of these fans is an image of Jesus with outstretched hands, symbolizing his sacrifice. The deacon, who leads the singing, is described as having a white nylon short sleeve shirt, with a book of matches in his pocket. Inside the matches cover, there's the deacon's name and address, suggesting that he's involved in community affairs. The deacon's singing is praised for its fervor and passion. The song also portrays the curiosity of a small boy who asks his mother whether "natives," likely referring to people from different cultures or backgrounds, go to heaven. This prompts a collective lifting of voices to the sky, singing praises to the Lord. Overall, "Glory Hallelujah, How They'll Sing" celebrates the joy and unity that can be found in communal singing and gatherings. It captures the sense of shared spirituality and personal reflections within a close-knit community.
