As a member of the United States Merchant Marine, Husky entertained the troops on his ship in World War 2. After the war, Husky became a DJ in Missouri and Bakersfield, California, where he began using the moniker Terry Preston in order to hide his rural roots. He also recorded " Gone " under the name of Terry Preston and was a semi-hit.. He re-recorded it in later 50's and was a hit.. As a honky tonk singer, Husky signed with Capitol Records in 1953 under the guidance of Cliffie Stone, also the manager for Tennessee Ernie Ford. With Capitol Records, he reverted to his given name. A few singles failed before "A Dear John Letter" with Jean Shepard became a #1 hit. The followup was called "Forgive Me John".
In 1955, Husky had a solo hit with "I Feel Better All Over (More Than Anywhere's Else)"/"Little Tom", and developed Simon Crum as a comic alter ego. As Crum, Husky signed a separate contract with Capitol Records and began releasing records, the biggest of which was 1959's "Country Music is Here to Stay" (No. 2 for three weeks).
In the late 1950s, Husky had a long string of hits, including the #1 "Gone", (he first recorded Gone as Terry Preston in 1952) and he began an acting career on the Kraft TV Theatre program and the film Mr. Rock & Roll. Bob Ferguson's "Wings of a Dove" became his biggest hits, topping the country charts for ten weeks and attaining #12 on the pop charts. Although he didn't have any more number 1's, between 1961 and 1972 he had over two dozen hits with the biggest of which being the Top 5's, "Once" (1967) and "Just For You" (1968). In late 1972, after over 20 years with Capitol Records, Ferlin signed with ABC Records, where he scored several Top 40 hits into 1975 with the biggest of his hits there being the Top 20 "Rosie Cries A Lot" (1973). Ferlin briefly retired in 1977 following heart surgery but resumed touring after that. He remains a popular concert draw, performing at the Grand Ole Opry and elsewhere.
Wayfaring Stranger
Ferlin Husky Lyrics
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Wandering through this world of woe
But there's no sorrow (there's no sorrow) toil nor danger (toil nor danger)
In that bright land to which I go
I'm going home to see my father I'm going home no more to roam
I'm just a going over Jordan I'm only going over home
I'm going home to see my mother I'm going home no more to roam
I'm just a going over Jordan I'm only going over home
The song "Wayfaring Stranger" by Ferlin Husky is a poignant and reflective hymn about the hardships and joys of life, and the ultimate hope of reaching a better place beyond this world. The lyrics speak of the singer's journey as a poor wayfaring stranger, wandering through a world of woe and struggle. Despite the challenges that he faces, the singer finds comfort and reassurance in the promise of a brighter future, in a land where there is no sorrow, toil or danger. This future destination is described as a place of peace and reunion, where the singer can finally return to his family and his roots, and where he will be free from the burdens of this life.
The song is a deeply spiritual and emotional piece that touches on universal themes of longing, faith, and redemption. The simple melody and lyrics convey a powerful message of hope and resilience, and the song has become a beloved standard in the American folk and gospel tradition. Its haunting beauty and timeless message have inspired countless covers and adaptations by artists across genres, from Johnny Cash to Emmylou Harris.
Line by Line Meaning
I am a poor (just a poor) wayfaring stranger (wayfaring stranger)
I'm someone who is traveling alone in a state of poverty and who is not familiar with the surroundings.
Wandering through this world of woe
I'm traveling through a world that is full of sadness and trouble.
But there's no sorrow (there's no sorrow) toil nor danger (toil nor danger)
Despite the difficulties I encounter while traveling, there is no sadness, hard work or danger in the bright land I am destined for.
In that bright land to which I go
I am traveling towards a realm that is full of light and hope.
I'm going home to see my father I'm going home no more to roam
I am heading for a place where I will be reunited with my father and where I will stay for good and never have to wander anymore.
I'm just a going over Jordan I'm only going over home
I am crossing over Jordan, leaving this world behind, to reach my eternal home.
I'm going home to see my mother I'm going home no more to roam
I am on my way to a place where I will be able to embrace my mother and where I will reside permanently, free from roaming.
I'm just a going over Jordan I'm only going over home
I am proceeding towards my permanent home by crossing over Jordan, casting off my earthly existence.
Over home (going home)
I am traveling towards my heavenly abode, my true home.
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP
Written by: ANDY GRIFFITH, DAVID LEE HUNTSINGER, STEVE TYRELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind