In April 1958 Darling replaced Pete Seeger in The Weavers, although he continued working club dates with The Tarriers until November 1959. Darling also recorded three solo albums. His second solo effort, True Religion for Vanguard in 1961 was influential on younger folkies of the day. Darling left the Weavers in June 1962 to work as a soloist on the emerging coffeehouse circuit. That summer he formed a jazz-folk trio, The Rooftop Singers, with longtime friend Bill Svanoe and jazz singer Lynn Taylor. Intended as a studio-only project for Vanguard, the group landed an unexpected number one pop hit with the song "Walk Right In." Don McLean who became friends with Darling in 1961, looked back on Darling as “a genuine philosopher and perfectionist.” He said, “I appreciated the time he spent with me so long ago. Undivided mental attention to every aspect of music making and performing is a hallmark of Erik’s work, and I believe some of that rubbed off on me.”.
In 1967, Darling and Paul Bennett were co-credited for writing the song "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You," by Quicksilver Messenger Service, which appears to be a medley of Darling's 1958 song "St. John's River" and Joan Baez's "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You".
He died in Chapel Hill, North Carolina from lymphoma at the age of 74.
I'm On My Way
Erik Darling Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm on my way to the Canaan land,
I'm on my way to the Canaan land,
I'm on my way, Lord, I'm on my way.
If the Devil says no, I'm gonna go anyhow,
If the Devil says no, I'm gonna go anyhow,
If the Devil says no, I'm gonna go anyhow,
This train don't carry no gamblers, this train,
This train don't carry no gamblers, this train,
This train don't carry no ramblers, midnight ramblers, or crap shooters,
Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, this train.
Well, this train is bound for glory, this train,
This train is bound for glory, this train,
This train is bound for glory, don't carry nothin' but the righteous and the holy,
Oh, oh, oh, Lord, this train.
(Repeat first verse)
The song "I'm On My Way" by Erik Darling is a gospel song, and the lyrics refer to a pilgrimage or a metaphorical journey towards spiritual enlightenment. The repeated line "I'm on my way to the Canaan land" refers to the promised land mentioned in the Old Testament, which is a metaphor for Heaven or a state of spiritual fulfillment. The singer of the song is determined to reach this goal, regardless of any obstacles that may come in their way.
The second verse indicates that the Devil is one such obstacle. Even though the Devil may try to discourage the singer from reaching their goal, they are determined to keep going. The repetition of the line "If the Devil says no, I'm gonna go anyhow" emphasizes the singer's steadfastness and determination in the face of adversity.
The third verse talks about a train that does not carry certain types of people, such as gamblers, ramblers, and crap shooters. This can be interpreted as a warning against immoral behaviors that will hinder one's journey towards spiritual enlightenment. The final verse repeats the first verse, concluding the song with the singer expressing their unwavering commitment to reaching the Canaan land.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm on my way to the Canaan land,
I am journeying towards the promised land of Canaan.
If the Devil says no, I'm gonna go anyhow,
I will not be discouraged by the Devil and I will continue on my journey.
This train don't carry no gamblers, this train,
I am not associated with those who gamble or engage in immoral activities.
This train is bound for glory, this train,
This journey leads to a glorious and heavenly destination.
I'm on my way, Lord, I'm on my way.
I am grateful for the Lord's guidance and assistance on my journey to heaven.
Contributed by Kennedy D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@multicaruana
Wow, I never heard Erik do this version before. His contributions to the American folk song bag are incalculable.