The son of Celtic folk singer and backing artist Mae McKenna, he was born and raised in New Malden in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Greater London. He was educated at Sacred Heart RC Primary School (New Malden), S.T Catherines RC Middle School (Raynes Park) & Wimbledon College (Wimbledon). He later attended the BRIT School, where he graduated the year before Amy Winehouse, whom he later supported live.
On 4 January 2011, the BBC announced that Woon had been placed fourth in the BBC's Sound of 2011 poll.
Woon released his debut album entitled Mirrorwriting on 18 April 2011 via Polydor Records.
'Making Time' was released in October 20th, 2015 and it includes the single ‘Sharpness’ featuring Quadron.
Wayfaring Stranger
Jamie Woon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Traveling through this world alone
There's no sickness, toil or danger
In that bright land to which I go
I'm going there to see my mother
I'm going there no more to roam
I am only going over Jordan
I am only going over home
I know dark clouds will gather around me
I know my way is rough and steep
But beautiful fields lie just beyond me
Where souls redeem the vigils keep
I'm going there to see my father
I'm going there no more to roam
I am only going over Jordan
I am only going over home
I want to wear a crown of glory
When I get home to that bright land
And I want to shout down Satan's story
In concert with that bloodwashed band
I'm going there to see my brothers
I said they need me when I come
I am only going over Jordan
I am only going over home
The lyrics of Jamie Woon's version of Wayfaring Stranger speak of a spiritual journey, of the desire to reach a brighter, better place where there is no suffering or danger. The first verse emphasizes the loneliness of the journey, with the singer feeling like a "poor wayfaring stranger", or a person wandering aimlessly through life. They describe their destination as a bright land that they are going to, not to roam anymore but to see their mother. The use of "over Jordan" can be interpreted in two ways - as a reference to the biblical crossing of the river Jordan, which symbolizes passing from one world to another, or as a metaphor for any obstacle that must be crossed before reaching a goal.
The second verse delves deeper into the challenges that the singer anticipates on their journey, acknowledging that dark clouds will gather and the way will be rough and steep. But there is hope beyond the clouds - beautiful fields and a place where souls are redeemed. The singer reveals that they are going to see their father and their brothers, indicating a longing to reunite with loved ones who have passed away. The third verse speaks of the singer's desire to wear a crown of glory and to join a "bloodwashed band" in shouting down Satan's story, possibly referencing a Christian belief in the struggle between good and evil.
Overall, the lyrics of Wayfaring Stranger convey a sense of longing for a better existence beyond this world, and an assurance that those who have passed away are waiting for us there. The use of religious imagery and language emphasizes the theme of spiritual transcendence and suggests that the journey is not just a physical one, but a deeply personal one as well.
Line by Line Meaning
I am a poor wayfaring stranger
I am a traveler in this world with no wealth, a stranger to this land.
Traveling through this world alone
I journey through this world with no companionship and no attachments.
There's no sickness, toil or danger
In the land I am committed to, there is no trouble, hardships or threats.
In that bright land to which I go
The land I am bound for is gleaming and luminous.
I'm going there to see my mother
I travel there to reunite with my mother.
I'm going there no more to roam
I will stop my wandering once I reach my destination.
I am only going over Jordan
I am only crossing the river Jordan, a metaphor for death.
I know dark clouds will gather around me
I am aware of the looming threat of sadness and difficulties.
I know my way is rough and steep
I am well acquainted with the hard and dangerous road I must take.
But beautiful fields lie just beyond me
I know that past this rugged terrain there is a great beauty.
Where souls redeem the vigils keep
Where clear eyes watch for the redemption of souls.
I'm going there to see my father
I am going to be with my father when I reach my destination.
I am only going over Jordan
I am only crossing the river Jordan, a metaphor for death.
I want to wear a crown of glory
I aspire to be rewarded with a symbol of great honor.
When I get home to that bright land
When I finally reach that luminous place.
And I want to shout down Satan's story
I wish to rally against the narrative of evil that Satan tells.
In concert with that bloodwashed band
Together with the righteous group that is purified by the blood of Christ.
I'm going there to see my brothers
I journey there to see my siblings.
I said they need me when I come
I promised to aid and assist my siblings on my arrival.
I am only going over Jordan
I am only crossing the river Jordan, a metaphor for death.
I am only going over home
I am only going over to my new dwelling place in heaven.
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP
Written by: ANDY GRIFFITH, DAVID LEE HUNTSINGER, STEVE TYRELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DefeatLust
This is still such an absolute gem of a song, holy. What a beautiful cover
@DefeatLust
FINALLY!!! Found this gem again. Beautiful
@AdamFPV
I take that back. True talent should not be judged by 4 Knobs and lost forever!!!
@Hollypopsification
I prefer this version much more, I think he really captures the melancholy of the words incredibly, his voice is almost chilling, brrrr....very talented singer.
@samariaclark2761
I have fallen in love with this man's music. It has been so long since we have had GREAT music... Thank you Mr. J Woon for reminding us how great gifts can really be!!!
@crieverytim
wow forgot about this... 2019...12 years!!
@PaekaYate
For Jamie Woon is his music more important than his appearance, that's what makes him a real MUSICartist
@cowgirlmoon
Geezzzzz....... I'm speachless, laying on the ground in a puddle...... Hot dang! That was GOOD! Thank you, Jamie Woon Blessings!
@LeifOines
the burial remix is absolutely heartwrenching
@uniquepieces2474
Back here watching in 2020. Just watched 1917 and recognised this amazing track and remembered this version as it’s still the original version to me. Still highly rate Jaime Woon as a real looping inspiration and pioneer in music 🌎✌️