Main message: Hope to inherit the better land that God is preparing for us.

Bible references:

• V1. "shadows flee" (Songs of Solomon 2:17)

• V2. "shore" (John 21:4)

• V3. "gloom" (James 4:9)

• V4. "paradise of God" (Revelations 2:7)

Keywords: land, love, joy, light, shore, break, flee, abode, paradise, God

Interpretation notes:

• The hymn begins in 3/4 time with two-part writing in the first two lines. 

• The melody uses repeated material, as well as thirds and fourths and a dotted eighth-note to sixteenth-note rhythm. 

• In the chorus, the texture expands to four parts and the meter changes to 4/4, with the soprano and alto carrying the main melody and harmony and the tenor and bass answering in echo. 

• The change in texture and meter supports the text about the 'land of love, of joy and light' and the 'tranquil shore.'