Lyrics Page

Elijah

By Rich Mullins

1,478 views Jul 12, 2026 updated Verified editorial review

Rich Mullins' song reflects on the end of life with a peaceful, faith-filled perspective. He uses the image of crossing the Jordan River to symbolize death and expresses a desire to depart like the prophet Elijah, taken up in a whirlwind. The lyrics acknowledge life's hardships—loneliness, stony ground, and thorns—but also God's faithful work through it all. Mullins finds comfort in the hope of salvation and the music of heaven already reaching his ears. The song conveys a calm acceptance of mortality, trusting God's care beyond this life.

Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team

The Jordan is waiting for me to cross through

My heart is aging I can tell

So Lord, I'm begging for one last favor from You

Here's my heart take it where You will


This life has shown me how we're mended and how we're torn

How it's okay to be lonely as long as you're free

Sometimes my ground was stony

And sometimes covered up with thorns

And only You could make it what it had to be

And now that it's done

Well if they dressed me like a pauper

Or if they dined me like a prince

If they lay me with my fathers

Or if my ashes scatter on the wind

I don't care


But when I leave I want to go out like Elijah

With a whirlwind to fuel my chariot of fire

And when I look back on the stars

It'll be like a candlelight in Central Park

And it won't break my heart to say goodbye


There's people been friendly, but they'd never be your friends

Sometimes this has bent me to the ground

Now that this is all ending

I want to hear some music once again

'Cause it's the finest thing that I have ever found


But the Jordan is waiting

Though I ain't never seen the other side

Still they say you can't take in the things you have here

So on the road to salvation

I stick out my thumb and He gives me a ride

And His music is already falling on my ears


There's people been talking

They say they're worried about my soul

Well, I'm here to tell you I'll keep rocking

'Til I'm sure it's my time to roll

And when I do


When I leave I want to go out like Elijah

With a whirlwind to fuel my chariot of fire

And when I look back on the stars

It'll be like a candlelight in Central Park

And it won't break my heart to say goodbye


'Cause when I leave I want to go out like Elijah

With a whirlwind to fuel my chariot of fire

And when I look back on the stars

It'll be like a candlelight in Central Park

And it won't break my heart to say goodbye

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