I am a poor wayfaring stranger
Joan Baez & Mimi Farina Lyrics
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A-trav'ling through this land of woe.
And there's no sickness, toil or danger
In that bright world to which I go.
I'm going home to see my father (mother, sister, brother etc.)
I'm going there no more to roam;
I'm just a-going over Jordan
I'm just a-going over home.
I know dark clouds will gather 'round me
I know my way is steep and rough;
But beauteous fields lie just beyond me
Where souls redeemed their vigil keep.
I'm going there to meet my mother
She said she'd meet me when I come
I'm just a-going over Jordan
I'm just a-going over home.
I want to wear a crown of glory
When I get home to that bright land
I want to shout Salvation's story
In concert with that bloodwashed band.
I'm going there to meet my Saviour
To sing His praises forevermore
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home.
The song "I Am A Poor Wayfaring Stranger" is a spiritual song that speaks about the journey of a wayfaring stranger, who is traveling through this land of woe but has hope for a better home in the bright world to come. The singer of the song knows that the journey ahead will be difficult, but has faith that beyond the dark clouds, there are beautiful fields where souls have been redeemed. The song speaks of the desire to meet a loved one, a mother, father, sister or brother and to wear a crown of glory. The overarching theme of the song is redemption, salvation and hope.
The verses in the song hold a promise of a better future and the desire to meet loved ones who have gone before. It speaks of a journey through trials, tribulations, darkness, and rough patches but there is hope for those who keep the faith. The song speaks about the spiritual journey and the hope of redemption through Christ. It highlights the importance of enduring and overcoming the troubles of life and looking forward to meeting our loved ones and the Saviour in the afterlife.
Line by Line Meaning
I am a poor wayfaring stranger
I am a simple person travelling through a difficult journey in this world.
A-trav'ling through this land of woe.
I am travelling through a difficult and unhappy world full of sadness and woes.
And there's no sickness, toil or danger
In the bright world that I am heading to, there is no sickness, hard work or danger.
In that bright world to which I go.
I am travelling to a bright and peaceful world.
I'm going home to see my father (mother, sister, brother etc.)
I am going to my eternal home to see my family members who have passed on.
I'm going there no more to roam;
I am going there to settle down and not wander anymore.
I'm just a-going over Jordan
I am just crossing the river Jordan to reach my final destination.
I know dark clouds will gather 'round me
I know there will be many difficulties and challenges that I will face.
I know my way is steep and rough;
I am aware that the path I must take is difficult and challenging.
But beauteous fields lie just beyond me
But beyond these challenges and difficulties are beautiful and peaceful fields.
Where souls redeemed their vigil keep.
Where the redeemed souls find solace and remain watchful.
I'm going there to meet my mother
I am going there to reunite with my beloved mother.
She said she'd meet me when I come
She promised that she would be waiting for me when I arrive.
I'm just a-going over Jordan
I am just crossing the river Jordan to reach my final destination.
I want to wear a crown of glory
I aspire to be rewarded with a crown of glory in the afterlife.
When I get home to that bright land
When I reach my eternal home, which is bright and peaceful.
I want to shout Salvation's story
I want to celebrate and spread the story of salvation with others.
In concert with that bloodwashed band.
In harmony with other saved souls who are singing praises to the Lord.
I'm going there to meet my Saviour
I am going there to reunite with my Lord and Savior.
To sing His praises forevermore
To sing praises and glorify the Lord for all eternity.
I'm only going over Jordan
I am simply crossing over the river Jordan to reach my final destination.
I'm only going over home.
I am simply going to my eternal home.
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Written by: DP, Linda Williams, Robin Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind