A Half a Mile a Day
Johnny Cash Lyrics


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I'm comin' Lord, for my heavenly reward
I'm comin' home to you, can you see me comin' thru
Thru clouds of persecution, and stumblin' on my way
I 'spect I'm only makin', 'bout a half a mile a day

The road to heaven doesn't have a rapid transit plan,
It's one way with no changes heading to the promised land
But I believe that if I'll heed the things He had to say,
Even I might get to heaven at a half a mile a day

Lord, when I let you lead, I never make much speed
"Cause I have to stop and touch, the ones who need so much
Then sometimes others pull me, off of Your narrow way
And by my mistakes, I barely make, a half a mile a day

The road to heaven doesn't have a rapid transit plan,
It's one way with no changes heading to the promised land




But I believe that if I'll heed the things He had to say,
Even I might get to heaven at a half a mile a day

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Johnny Cash's song A Half a Mile a Day speak to the idea of the journey that lies ahead to reach heaven. Cash's voice has a haunting tone that seems appropriate for the theme of this song. The song speaks about how the road to heaven doesn't have any shortcuts or fast lanes, but rather one must take it slow to truly follow the narrow path that leads to eternal life.


The opening lyrics talk about how the singer is on his way to receive his heavenly reward. He is making his way towards the kingdom of God, but he's not making much progress. Despite his efforts, he feels like he's only making about a half a mile a day. The next verse speaks about how the road to heaven is a one-way street. There are no changes or reconsiderations on this journey. It's a causeway leading to the Promised Land.


The latter half of the song brings in a tone of introspection. The singer recognizes that when he tries to speed things up or goes off the path, his journey comes to a halt. He needs to pause and help others who are struggling before continuing on his journey. He recognizes that this is no race, and he is not competing with anyone. He is simply on this journey towards righteousness with his faith acting as his compass.


Overall, the song speaks to how we must all take our time and follow the path that has been lit for us. The journey itself is never easy, and we are sure to make mistakes along the way. But by leaning on our faith and helping others on this journey, we can all get a little bit closer to heaven.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm comin' Lord, for my heavenly reward
I am making my way towards God for the ultimate reward


I'm comin' home to you, can you see me comin' thru
I am returning to the comforting embrace of God


Thru clouds of persecution, and stumblin' on my way
Despite facing obstacles and hardships on my journey to God


I 'spect I'm only makin', 'bout a half a mile a day
I am only progressing slowly, taking one step at a time


The road to heaven doesn't have a rapid transit plan,
The path to heaven is not paved with shortcuts


It's one way with no changes heading to the promised land
It is a singular path that leads to the eternal reward


But I believe that if I'll heed the things He had to say,
But I believe that if I follow God's teachings


Even I might get to heaven at a half a mile a day
I too can make it to heaven, even if it takes me a while


Lord, when I let you lead, I never make much speed
When I follow God's guidance, I do not progress at a rapid pace


'Cause I have to stop and touch, the ones who need so much
Because I must pause and help those who require assistance


Then sometimes others pull me, off of Your narrow way
Occasionally, people will deter me from the path of God


And by my mistakes, I barely make, a half a mile a day
My errors slow me down to the point where I barely proceed




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JOHN R. CASH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Anonymous


on Wayfaring Stranger

Wayfaring Stranger - The New Appalachians - Lyrics

I am a poor wayfaring stranger
Traveling through this world alone

There will be no sickness, toil or danger
In that grand land to which I roam

Well I'm going home to see my mother
I'm going home to a morning rose
I'm only goin' over Jordan
I'm only goin' over home

Musical Interlude

I know dark clouds will gather 'round me
I know my way is rough and steep
And beautiful fields lie just before me
Where God's redeemed there vigils keep

Well I'm going home to see my brothers
I'm going home no more to roam
I'm only goin' over Jordan
I'm only goin' over home

Musical Interlude

I'm going home to see my Father
I'm going home no more to roam
I'm only goin' over Jordan
I’m only goin’ where no one roams

I want to wear that crown of glory
When I get to that good land
I want to shout out salvation story
In concert with that blood washed band.
I'm going there to see my saviour
I’ll see his face no more to roam
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home
I'm only goin' over home

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