Wayfaring Stranger
Emmylou Harris Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I am a poor wayfaring stranger
While traveling through this world of woe
Yet there's no sickness, toil or danger
In that bright world to which I go

I'm going there to see my father
I'm going there no more to roam
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home

I know dark clouds will gather around me
I know my way is rough and steep
Yet beauteous fields lie just before me
Where God's redeemed their vigils keep

I'm going there to my mother
She said she'd meet me when I come





I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home

Overall Meaning

Emmylou Harris's song "Wayfaring Stranger" is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that captures the essence of the soul's journey towards death and the longing for the afterlife. The lyrics articulate the experience of a "poor wayfaring stranger" who is traveling through the world with all its sorrows and hardships. The traveler's ultimate destination is a bright world where there is no pain, suffering, or danger.


The song paints a vivid picture of the traveler's journey to the promised land, where he or she will be reunited with loved ones who have gone before. The traveler is going to see his father and mother, who have already made the journey. The imagery of "going over Jordan" is used to refer to crossing over from this life to the next, which is home to the wayfaring stranger.


The song's message is one of hope and faith, of the belief that there is a better place waiting for us after we leave this world. Despite the dark clouds that gather around us and the rough and steep path we must travel, there is beauty and redemption waiting for us on the other side. The song's simplicity and soulful melody make it a timeless classic that resonates with people of different generations and cultures.


Line by Line Meaning

I am a poor wayfaring stranger
I am a wanderer with no place to call home


While traveling through this world of woe
While journeying through this challenging world


Yet there's no sickness, toil or danger
The bright world I'm heading to has no pain, exhaustion, or peril


In that bright world to which I go
The world I long to reach is full of radiance


I'm going there to see my father
I'm on my way to reunite with my dad


I'm going there no more to roam
I won't wander anymore after I arrive


I'm only going over Jordan
I am moving forward to cross over the Jordan River


I'm only going over home
I'm only heading towards my heavenly home


I know dark clouds will gather around me
I'm aware that gloomy circumstances might envelop me


I know my way is rough and steep
I understand that my journey may be difficult and dangerous


Yet beauteous fields lie just before me
However, there are beautiful fields right in front of me


Where God's redeemed their vigils keep
Where God's saved children are watching over me


I'm going there to my mother
I am heading to meet my mother


She said she'd meet me when I come
She is waiting to reunite with me


I'm only going over Jordan
I am only on my way to cross the Jordan River


I'm only going over home
I'm only heading towards my heavenly home




Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Traditional

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@UCqkdtMiE5ZquD_lF9prae4Q

আমি অপরিচিত দরিদ্র পথচারী বাবাকে দেখতে জর্ডানের উপর দিয়ে সেই আলোকিত পৃথিবীতে যাচ্ছি 😢
Lyrics:
I am a poor wayfaring stranger
While traveling through this world of woe
Yet there's no sickness, toil or danger
In that bright world to which I go

I'm going there to see my father
I'm going there no more to roam
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home

I know dark clouds will gather around me
I know my way is rough and steep
Yet beauteous fields lie just before me
Where God's redeemed their vigils keep

I'm going there to my mother
She said she'd meet me when I come
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home



@littleLily247

I am a poor wayfaring stranger
While traveling through this world of woe
Yet there's no sickness, toil or danger
In that bright world to which I go

I'm going there to see my father
I'm going there no more to roam
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home

I know dark clouds will gather around me
I know my way is rough and steep
Yet beauteous fields lie just before me
Where God's redeemed their vigils keep

I'm going there to my mother
She said she'd meet me when I come
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home



All comments from YouTube:

@herbertjohnson5047

I've heard about fifty versions of this song, some good and some should not been made, but I'll take this version over and above all others. BEAUTIFUL!!!

@frankspencer6935

Her early voice was magical. There might be versions with better musical accompaniments but I don't think anyone can sing this so well.

@jasonsmith4291

My aunt just died he told me how to play poker and blackjack introduce me to music took it to my first concert they were supposed to play this version of her funeral will they play the Johnny Cash version. Not hating on Johnny my aunt wanted this version.

@leomanaray7690

this song reminds me when my father died.

@jayaroesty1476

i would just have to include Rhiannon Giddens version ,and call it a draw

@mikecross137

Love it

4 More Replies...

@curvenger

Emmylou is perfest in everyway, her voice, her appearance, her character, her figure. This song is also the best version, hands down.

@aiemwyrdh8363

Her voice is that chilling wind that gives me comfort when the weather is hot and I'm alone in a desert

@joycehoward5193

Bless you sister!Come here when feeling down

@davidirving8669

This is what an angel sounds like, looks like and acts like. I could listen to Emmylou sing the phone book and be inspired. Still.

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