I am just a poor wayfaring stranger
Traveling through a world of woe
Ain't no sickness, toil, nor danger
In that bright land to which I go

I'm goin' there to see my father
Said he'd meet me when I come
I'm only goin' over Jordan
I'm only goin' over home

I know dark clouds gonna gather 'round me
I know my way'll be rough and steep
Yet beautiful fields lye just before me
Where god's redeemed their vigils keep

I'm goin' there to see my loved ones
Gone before me one by one
I'm only goin' over Jordan
I'm only goin' over home

I'll soon be free from earthly trials
This body rest in the ol' churchyard
I'll drop this cross of self-denial
And go singing home to god

I'm goin' there to see my savior
To dwell with him no more to roam
I'm only goin' over Jordan
I'm only goin' over home
I'm only goin' over home


Lyrics submitted by DallasLeigh

Wayfaring Stranger Lyrics as written by Traditional

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

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Wayfaring Stranger song meanings
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4 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment

    I think that at the beginning of the song the wayfaring stranger is still living, but at the end of his life, thus the rusty, static sound of the music. Then, during the intermission, is while he is dead, waiting for judgement in Hades. Then, when the music starts up again, he is in the afterlife, on his journey to the Gates of Heaven to be judged by God.

    krolluskon June 14, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I forgot to add this part: On his journey to Heaven, the wayfaring stranger knows he has lived a righteous life, and he knows he will spend eternity in Heaven, thus the ore upbeat sound to the music. But the deep music in the backgroud, a cello I think, as well as the ominous outro, represents his uneasiness and doubt, thinking maybe he wasn't good enough to enter Paradise.

    krolluskon June 14, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    The Jordan river's in Michigan, but here I think we're hearing about the Jordan River in Western Asia that includes the Sea of Galilee. Most Appalachian Folk songs where brought here from Europe and date back to the Middle Ages. These songs are the stuff of traveling bards. When I first heard 16 H.P. I mistook the religiosity of the music as being ironic or tongue-in-cheek. The first time I saw David Eugene Edwards preform live, I realized I was righteously mistaken. This song's about being right with God. Not with the church, not with the congregation, but with God. No earthly man can tell you what's in your heart and death will prove your heart true.

    stupidtoolon January 30, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    This song is a cover, the origin is unknown and very old, but it is a Christian song about someone who is dying and looks back on all the trials he had/will have and looks forward to the rewards he will receive in heaven. No Hades I'm afraid (greek mythology).

    Hospitalleron August 01, 2009   Link

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