Sending Up My Timber

This is Blind Willie McTell’s stunning rendition of the old Gospel song of the same name. The passion of his vocals is matched by what must be a host of angels helping his hands create miracles on his 12 string. The end result is miraculous, almost as if McTell was letting God know that when he arrived at the pearly gates that he was to be let in on his own terms. It was recorded late in his career, shortly before he gave up the blues and became a preacher, singing only spirituals. In fact his wife recalled that around 1957, “He said he felt like he was coming to the end of his journey, he was coming back to God.” He died two years later at the age of 58, gone to join his friends who’ve gone on to that land, to live in that great mansion.

This recording comes from the album Pig ‘n Whistle Red, recorded in 1950 for Regal Records. It was named for a whites only barbecue place where McTell played requests for tips. This was also his last recording with occasional partner Curley Weaver.

Sending Up my Timber Lyrics

I have a dream that I dream
of my heavenly home
and I know that I’m going there someday
It may be morning, night or noon
I don’t know just how soon
That’s why I’m sending up my timber everyday

There a great consolation
for heartaches and pains
If you just send up some timber
Everyday, Lord everyday
And the hope, that he has given
We know the word of God is true
Pretty white mansion, waiting for you
Oh yes I’m sending up my timber
up to heaven, everyday
oh there’s a mansion
He has prepared there
Lord in Heaven for me
I will join with my friends
Who have gone on to that land
That’s why I’m sending up my timber everyday
Jesus died, oh yes he suffered
for you, Lord and for me
So that a soul so unworthy
Might live, lord might live.
If you just send up some timber
every now, oh and then
You can live in that great mansion
in the wind
Oh yes I’m sending up my timber
up to heaven, everyday
oh there’s a mansion
He has prepared up there
Lord in Heaven for me
I will join with my friends
Who have gone on to that land
That’s why I’m sending up my timber everyday
Transcribed by fingerstyle-blues.com