He recorded as one of the first country bluesmen in 1926 for the Paramount and Vocalion labels, on the latter under the name of Sam Butler. His 78 rpm records are highly sought by collectors and have been numerously re-released on LP and CD compilation albums.
I'm On My Way To The Kingdom Land
Bo Weavil Jackson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I′m on my way, walkin' to the kingdom land.
And if you don't go, I′ll journey on.
I′m on my way, I'm on my way.
Now, Job, he was the richest of men that lived in the land of Nod.
He was the only man for miles around that kept the commandments of God.
Well, the devil he got jealous of Job and he came to God one day.
He said, "Move your hand from around the man and he′ll curse you to your face."
There ain't nothin′ you can do
That will turn him around.
There ain't nothin′ you can do
That will turn him around.
'Cause he done signed up, done made up his mind.
He's on his way, he′s on his way.
Well the devil laid his fingers on Job and Job felt downright weak.
And then the devil laid affliction sure with sores from his head to his feet.
Well all Job′s friends began to beat with him, it was a number from one to five.
They said, "Oh, you're sick, and you won′t get well, you'd better curse your God
And die."
There ain′t nothin' you can do
That will turn him around.
There ain′t nothin' you can do
That will turn him around.
And now Job's wife came-a-truckin′ to him with the devil right in her eye.
She said, "Oh, you′re sick, and you won't get well, you better curse your God
And die."
Now, Job, he looked straight at the woman and he looked up in the sky.
He said, "Woman, you sound like a foolish one, well you sure don′t sound like a
Wife!"
There ain't nothin′ you can do
That will turn him around.
There ain't nothin′ you can do
That will turn him around.
Now Job's servant came-a-runnin' to him and he said, іJob, I′ve got somethin′ to
Say."
He said, "The fire came from heaven last night and carried your cattle away."
Well, Job, he looked right straight at the man, he said "I don't have anything
To say.
′Cause it's the Lord God in Heaven what giveth and the Lord God taketh away!"
There ain′t nothin' you can do
That will turn him around.
There ain′t nothin' you can do
That will turn him around.
The song "I'm on My Way to the Kingdom Land" by Bo Weavil Jackson tells the story of Job from the Bible. Job was a wealthy man who was faithful to God, but the devil became jealous of him and wanted to test his faith. The devil inflicted Job with physical afflictions and his friends and wife encouraged him to curse God and die. However, Job remained steadfast in his faith and refused to turn away from God despite the trials he faced. The song presents Job as a figure of strength and resilience, who remains committed to his beliefs despite the many challenges thrown his way.
The lyrics of the song emphasize the contrast between Job's unwavering faith and the attempts of those around him to lure him away from it. The devil is portrayed as a jealous and manipulative figure who seeks to undermine Job's faith, while his wife and friends are shown as weaker characters who are willing to compromise their beliefs in the face of hardship. Job, on the other hand, is depicted as a hero who remains true to his convictions despite the many obstacles he encounters.
Overall, "I'm on My Way to the Kingdom Land" is a powerful song that reflects on the importance of faith and resilience in the face of hardship. It presents Job as a symbol of strength and shows that even when faced with the greatest of challenges, it is possible to remain true to oneself and one's beliefs.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm on my way, walkin' to the kingdom land.
I am making my journey towards the kingdom of God.
And if you don't go, I'll journey on.
Even if others do not join me, I will continue on my path.
Now, Job, he was the richest of men that lived in the land of Nod.
Job was a wealthy man from the land of Nod.
He was the only man for miles around that kept the commandments of God.
Job was the only person in the vicinity who followed God's laws.
Well, the devil he got jealous of Job and he came to God one day.
The devil became envious of Job and approached God.
He said, "Move your hand from around the man and he'll curse you to your face."
The devil believed that Job would turn against God if he had to endure hardship.
There ain't nothin' you can do
That will turn him around.
No matter what happens, Job will not abandon his faith in God.
And now Job's wife came-a-truckin' to him with the devil right in her eye.
Job's wife approached him, influenced by the devil's negative energy.
She said, "Oh, you're sick, and you won't get well, you better curse your God
And die."
Job's wife suggested that he curse God and die due to his suffering.
Well Job, he looked straight at the woman and he looked up in the sky.
Job gazed at his wife and towards the heavens.
He said, "Woman, you sound like a foolish one, well you sure don't sound like a
Wife!"
Job rebuked his wife for her foolish suggestions and behavior.
Now Job's servant came-a-runnin' to him and he said, "Job, I've got somethin' to
Say."
Job's servant approached him with news to share.
He said, "The fire came from heaven last night and carried your cattle away."
The servant reported that their livestock had been destroyed by fire from the heavens.
Well Job, he looked right straight at the man, he said "I don't have anything
To say.
Job did not have a response to this misfortune.
'Cause it's the Lord God in Heaven what giveth and the Lord God taketh away!"
Job understood that it was within God's power to give and take away.
I'm on my way, I'm on my way.
I am steadfastly on my journey towards the kingdom of God.
Writer(s): Traditional
Contributed by Jonathan V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@sriiski
I have an Bo Weavil Jackson LP which was released in the '80's on the Matchbox label and this is my favourite song on that album. :-)