I'm On My Way
Jackson Mahalia Lyrics
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I'm on my way oh to Canaan Land
On my way Canaan Land
On my way glory hallelujah
I'm on my way
Well on my way
To Canaan Land
I'm on my way
On my way Canaan Land
On my way glory hallelujah
I'm on my way
I had money hot time
But I'm on my way
I had money hot time
On my way
Money hot talk
Lord, on my way
On my way glory hallelujah
On my way
Now if you don't go, don't you hinder me
If you won't go, please, don't hinder me
If you won't go, don't hinder me
On my way glory hallelujah
I'm on my way
I had to pray so hard; Lord, I'm on my way
I had to pray so hard, but I'm on my way
I had to pray so hard, on my way
On my way glory hallelujah
I'm on my way
You know I'm falling and rising, but I'm on my way
You know I'm falling and rising; yes, I'm on my way
I'm falling and rising, on my way
On my way glory hallelujah
I'm on my way
You know I'm on my way, Lord
Oh, to Canaan Land
Yes, I'm on my way to Canaan Land
On my way Canaan Land
On my way glory hallelujah
On my my way
The lyrics to Mahalia Jackson's I'm On My Way signify a determination to reach a promised land despite the obstacles that lie ahead. The phrase "Canaan Land" is used symbolically to represent a place of peace, freedom, and prosperity. The first stanza emphasizes the singer's eagerness to reach this manifest destiny, as she repeats the words "I'm on my way to Canaan Land" several times, culminating in an exclamation of "glory hallelujah". The repetition of the phrase "on my way" further underscores the message of progression towards an ultimate goal.
The second stanza introduces a contrast between the singer's past and present selves. She notes that she once had "money hot time", but she is now on her way to the promised land. The use of hot imagery connotes passion, excitement, and frivolousness, suggesting that the singer has abandoned these values in pursuit of a greater purpose. This shift is confirmed in the third stanza when the singer declares that those who won't join her journey should not hinder her progress. This line implies that the singer has had to leave behind those who do not share her vision, which may have been a difficult but necessary sacrifice.
The fourth and fifth stanzas describe the singer's spiritual journey towards Canaan Land. She references her struggles, noting that she had to "pray so hard" and that she had fallen and risen along the way. These lines suggest that the journey is not an easy one, but that the singer's faith is sustaining her through the difficulties. The final stanza returns to the opening melody, with the singer repeating that she is on her way to Canaan Land. This return to the opening motif serves to reinforce the message of the song: that no matter what challenges may arise, the singer is committed to reaching her ultimate destination.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm on my way to Canaan Land
I'm headed towards the promised land of Canaan
I'm on my way oh to Canaan Land
I'm joyfully headed to Canaan Land
On my way Canaan Land
I'm en route to Canaan Land
On my way glory hallelujah
I'm filled with glory and joy as I journey
I'm on my way
I'm progressing on my path
Well on my way
I'm making steady progress
To Canaan Land
Towards the destination of Canaan Land
I'm on my way
I'm moving forward on my journey
Oh, to Canaan Land
With great anticipation, I'm en route to Canaan Land
On my way Canaan Land
I'm continuing my journey towards Canaan Land
On my way glory hallelujah
Filled with praise and joy, I journey on
I had money hot time
I was living comfortably
But I'm on my way
Despite my past comfort, I'm still journeying
Money hot talk
I was living a flashy lifestyle
Lord, on my way
Nevertheless, I'm still progressing on my journey
On my way glory hallelujah
Filled with gratitude and joy, I journey on
On my way
I'm continuing to make progress on my path
Now if you don't go, don't you hinder me
If you're not joining me on this journey, please don't hold me back
If you won't go, please, don't hinder me
If you're unwilling to come with me, don't impede my progress
If you won't go, don't hinder me
Please don't obstruct me if you're not coming with me
On my way glory hallelujah
Filled with praise and gratitude, I continue on
I had to pray so hard; Lord, I'm on my way
I had to work and pray diligently to get here, but I'm still journeying
I had to pray so hard, but I'm on my way
Despite my struggles, I'm still making progress
On my way
I'm continuing to journey on my path
On my way glory hallelujah
Filled with joy and praise, I journey forward
You know I'm falling and rising, but I'm on my way
Although I encounter setbacks and successes, I'm still journeying
You know I'm falling and rising; yes, I'm on my way
I acknowledge the ups and downs, but I'm still progressing forward
I'm falling and rising, on my way
Although I'm experiencing setbacks and successes, I'm still progressing
On my way glory hallelujah
Filled with praise and joy, I continue on
I'm on my way
I'm still journeying
Oh, to Canaan Land
Toward the destination of Canaan Land
Yes, I'm on my way to Canaan Land
I'm still progressing towards Canaan Land
On my way Canaan Land
Continuing my journey towards Canaan Land
On my way glory hallelujah
Filled with gratitude and joy, I journey on
On my way
Continuing to progress on my path
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MAHALIA JACKSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@smothcool90
OMG She have a beautiful voice, it put me to tears! Can't find gospel songs like this these days! Smh
@JayBohringer
This is one of those songs that can reach the hardest of sinners. Mahalia's voice has that effect. What an angel of God. The pianist is phenomenal. Both combined equal a magnificent masterpiece!
@tameriajones593
It's about time somebody admitted that Mahalia Jackson songs could reach the hardest sinners.
@jacobduursma5828
Don’t forget the organist. There are three artists in this masterpiece.
@luejay9792
Mahalia Jackson is on her way to move on up a little higher to the upper room for she seen to much trouble in this world and and at times she don't know how she made it over but she did and now the precious lord already been took her hand and leaded her home and I waiting for him to do the same for me one Day amen to that
@jayonnaj18
Praise the Lord!!! Mahalia's singing sends chills down my spine, and I strongly believe she was FOR REAL as she glorified Jesus to the max as she sang! Hallelujah!!!❤
@jacquelinehubbard6702
The greatest that ever sang a gospel song . Have loved her for 60 years
@princeericdemera
On my way Lord Jesus, I'm on my way. Amen 🙌
@m.antoniosims342
Mahalia Jackson sang with a chilling fire in her voice, in that she left her grateful listeners with chills through their bodies and a gloriously roaring fire in their souls for the love of God's music! I have no doubt that she continues to raise her most cherished voice in the heavens today and will do so for eternity! Oh to imagine what a time she is having there!
@bobbye.wright4424
The greatest gospel singer the world has ever seen