I was strolling one day in a lonely graveyard
When a voice from the tomb seemed to say
'I once lived as you lived, walked and talked as you talk
But from earth I was soon called away'

Chorus:
Oh those tombs (Oh those tombs), lonely tombs (lonely tombs)
Seemed to say in a low gentle tone
Oh how sweet (oh how sweet) is the rest (is the rest)
In that beautiful, heavenly home

Every voice from the tomb seemed to whisper and say
'Living man, you must soon follow me'
And I thought as I gazed on those cold marble slabs
What a dark, lonely place that must be

Repeat chorus

Then I came to a place where my mother was laid
And in silence I stood by here tomb
And her voice seemed to say, in a low gentle tone
'I am safe with my saviour at home'

Repeat chorus

Source: The Blue Sky Boys 'Presenting the Blue Sky Boys' John Edwards Memorial Foundation JEMF-104. (Reissue of Capitol ST-2483.

This lovely old sacred song has been recorded by a number of modern bluegrass artists, my favourite rendition being that of Dave Evans on his 'A Few More Seasons' album. However, the song is older than bluegrass. It was recorded by J.E Mainer's Mountaineers and Wade Mainer and the Sons of the Mountaineers in the 1930s under the title 'Lonely Tombs'. Bill Bollick (Bill and Earl Bollick are the Blue Sky Boys) recalled that his father had learned it from a shape-note hymnal which noted that it was composed in the late 1800s. It is the type of song that showcases the Blue Sky Boys' gentle harmonies to best advantage. Paul Wells noted that the final stanza is similar to the first stanza of another sacred song titled 'The Lone (or White) Pilgrim' which may be found in the Brown Collection (Duke University).

--Stewie.

^^

I have the Southern Journey album. The version by Smith, Preston and Gladden is indeed lovely. The Stanley Brothers recorded it on King 698 'For the Good People' in 1959. I don't have that, but I have their re-recording of it for Ray Davis' Wango label - a duet by Ralph and Carter. The Wango album, 'Uncloudy Day', a wonderful collection of gospel songs, was reissued by County (LP 753). I have a number of Ralph Stanley albums, including the Rebel box set, but 'Lonely Tombs' does not appear on any of them - sorry I can't help you there.

--Stewie.