Wayfaring Stranger
Charley Rose Lyrics
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Traveling through this world alone
And there's no sickness, toil or danger
In that bright land to which I go
And I'm going there to see my mother
And I'm going there no more to roam
And I'm only going over Jordan
And I'm only going over home now
Hey ay ay yeah [12x]
And I know dark clouds will gather me
And I know my way is rough and steep
And the beautiful fields that lie just beyond me
And I know my needs are rough and steep
And I'm going there to see my mother
And I'm going there no more to roam
And I'm only going over Jordan
And I'm only going over home now
Cause I am a poor, wayfaring stranger
Traveling through this world alone
And there's no sickness, toil or danger
In that bright land to which I go
And I'm going there to see my mother
And I'm going there no more to roam
And I'm only going over Jordan
And I'm only going over home now
The song "Wayfaring Stranger" by Charley Rose is a gospel folk ballad that tells a poignant story about a protagonist who is travelling through the world alone. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and loneliness that the singer feels as he journeys through life. The verses express his belief in a happier afterlife where there will be no sickness, toil, or danger. He expects to see his mother there and has no intention of wandering anymore once he reaches that place. The use of the metaphorical 'Jordan' in the last line suggests a crossing over from life to afterlife, reminiscent of the River Jordan in Christian tradition.
The lyrics of the song are rich in imagery and evoke strong emotions, with the repeated chorus adding a contemplative and introspective quality. The song's message is about the human desire for connection, particularly with loved ones who have passed away. It touches upon the themes of loneliness, hope, and the promise of an afterlife, making it a timeless classic that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Line by Line Meaning
I am a poor, wayfaring stranger
I am a destitute traveler, an outsider in this world
Traveling through this world alone
Journeying through life with no companions or assistance
And there's no sickness, toil or danger
In the promised land I'm going to, there will be no discomfort, labor, or risk
In that bright land to which I go
I am headed to a radiant and joyful place
And I'm going there to see my mother
My main objective is to reunite with my mother in that utopian realm
And I'm going there no more to roam
I will stay in that new world indefinitely and not drift aimlessly again
And I'm only going over Jordan
The reference to crossing the river Jordan is symbolic of passing from this life to the next
And I know dark clouds will gather me
I am aware that there will still be challenges and hardship along the way
And I know my way is rough and steep
I recognize that my path will be arduous and treacherous
And the beautiful fields that lie just beyond me
Though there are wonderful fields close by, I am not yet there
And I know my needs are rough and steep
I am aware that I have many hardships to face in this life
Cause I am a poor, wayfaring stranger
I am an impoverished voyager in this world
Traveling through this world alone
On my journey through life, I am alone
And there's no sickness, toil or danger
In the afterlife, there will be no suffering, work, or danger
In that bright land to which I go
In the wonderful place that awaits me
And I'm going there to see my mother
I will go there to see my mother
And I'm going there no more to roam
I will rest there and not wander away
And I'm only going over Jordan
My passage to that land is inevitable
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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