The Pearly White City

By Arthur F. Ingler

Lyrics

1. . There’s a holy and beautiful city
Whose builder and ruler is God;
John saw it descending from Heaven,
When Patmos, in exile, he trod;
Its high, massive wall is of jasper,
The city itself is pure gold;
And when my frail tent here is folded,
Mine eyes shall its glory behold.

Refrain
In that bright city, pearly white city,
I have a mansion, a harp, and a crown;
Now I am watching, waiting, and longing,
For the white city that’s soon coming down.

2. . No sin is allowed in that city
And nothing defiling or mean;
No pain and no sickness can enter,
No crepe on the doorknob is seen;
Earth’s sorrows and cares are forgotten,
No tempter is there to annoy;
No parting words ever are spoken,
There’s nothing to hurt or destroy.

3. . No heartaches are known in that city,
No tears ever moisten the eyes;
There’s no disappointment in Heaven,
No envy and strife in the sky;
The saints are all sanctified wholly,
They live in sweet harmony there;
My heart is now set on that city,
And some day its blessings I’ll share.

4. . My loved ones are gathering yonder,
My friends too are passing away,
And soon I shall join their bright number,
And dwell in eternity’s day;
They’re safe now in glory with Jesus,
Their trials and battles are past.
They overcame sin and the tempter,
They’ve reached that fair city at last.

Bible Reference

Revelation 21:2

About This Hymn

“The Pearly White City” by Arthur F. Ingler is a gospel hymn that paints a vivid picture of heaven as described in Revelation. Written in 1902, this hymn became a beloved piece among early 20th-century Christians who cherished songs about heaven and the life to come. Ingler’s text draws directly from biblical imagery, portraying heaven as a city with pearly gates, golden streets, and the presence of the Lamb who is the light thereof.

The hymn emphasizes not only the beauty of the heavenly city but also the deep longing of the Christian heart to dwell there. Its words carry comfort to the grieving, hope to the weary, and anticipation to those who await Christ’s return. The refrain joyfully declares the singer’s assurance of one day walking in that city, where sorrow and pain will be no more.

Arthur F. Ingler, though not as widely remembered as some of his contemporaries, contributed significantly to gospel hymnody with songs that focused on heaven and the believer’s eternal hope. “The Pearly White City” is perhaps his most famous composition, and it remains cherished in traditional hymnals and gospel singing conventions.