I Corinthians 15:55
Johnny Cash Lyrics


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O Death, where is thy sting?
O Grave, where is thy victory?
O Life, you are a shining path
And hope springs eternal, just over the rise
When I see my redeemer beckoning me

Oh row my ship over the waves of your sea
Let me find a safe port now and then
Don't let the dark one in your sanctuary
Until it's time to pack it in
O, row, row my ship
With the fire of your breath
And don't lay a broadside on
Your ship as yet blow ye warm winds
When it's chilly and wet
And don't come to soon yet
For collecting my debt

O Death, where is thy sting?
O Grave, where is thy victory?
O Life, you are a shining path
And hope springs eternal, just over the rise
When I see my redeemer beckoning me

Oh let me sail on with my ship to the East
And keep my eye on the North Star
When the journey is no good
For man or for beast
I'll be safe wherever you are

Just let me sail into your harbor of lights
And there and forever to cast out my line




Give me my task and let me do it right
And do it with all of my might

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Johnny Cash's song, "I Corinthians 15:55," are based on a biblical passage that reflects on the inevitability of death, and the hope of eternal life. In the song, Cash is confronting the idea of his own mortality, asking the questions, "O Death, where is thy sting? O Grave, where is thy victory?" He then turns to the idea of spiritual salvation, describing life as a "shining path," and placing his faith in the hope that comes with redemption.


Cash's lyrics are full of vivid imagery, often using nautical metaphors to describe his journey through life. He speaks of "rowing" his "ship" over the waves of the "sea," and finding a "safe port" in times of trouble. He also addresses the "dark one," likely a reference to the devil or other powerful negative influences, warning against letting them into his "sanctuary."


Ultimately, the message of "I Corinthians 15:55" is one of hope in the face of mortality. Cash's lyrics express a deep faith in a higher power, and an abiding belief in the redemptive power of life. The song is a powerful meditation on the meaning of human existence, and a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the greatest musical artists of our time.


Line by Line Meaning

O Death, where is thy sting?
Death, why should I fear you when I know that I have eternal life through my faith in God?


O Grave, where is thy victory?
Grave, you may take my body, but my soul will live on in heaven, so why should I be afraid of you?


O Life, you are a shining path
Life, you are full of opportunities and adventures that lead me to grow closer to God and to fulfill His plans for me.


And hope springs eternal, just over the rise
I have an amazing hope, that even in the face of death, I know that my faith in God guarantees my eternal life in heaven.


When I see my redeemer beckoning me
When I finally see Jesus face to face, I know that all the trials of this life will pale in comparison to the beauty and glory of heaven.


Oh row my ship over the waves of your sea
God, please guide my life journey and help me navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and wisdom.


Let me find a safe port now and then
Please give me rest and peace along the way, by providing safe havens where I can replenish my strength and refresh my spirit.


Don't let the dark one in your sanctuary
God, protect me from the evil one who seeks to tempt me away from your love and grace.


Until it's time to pack it in
I know that there will be challenges and struggles in life, but I trust that You will be with me until the very end.


O, row, row my ship
God, I ask that You guide me and give me strength to navigate life's challenges with integrity and faith in You.


With the fire of your breath
Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit and let me feel Your power in my life.


And don't lay a broadside on your ship as yet
Don't allow me to succumb to the enemy's temptations and stray from Your path for me.


Blow ye warm winds
God, give me comfort and encouragement when I feel weary or troubled.


When it's chilly and wet
When life is difficult and challenging, help me to trust in Your goodness and love.


And don't come to soon yet
I know that there is a time for everything, and I trust that You will come to bring me home at the right time.


For collecting my debt
When I come to the end of my life, I know that You will be waiting for me with open arms, and I will be free from the burden of sin.


Oh let me sail on
God, please continue to guide me on my journey of faith and help me to never lose sight of Your love and grace.


With my ship to the East
I look towards the dawn of a new day, with hope and anticipation for what lies ahead.


And keep my eye on the North Star
Just as sailors navigate by the North Star, I rely on Your guidance and wisdom to lead me in the right direction.


When the journey is no good for man or for beast
When trials and struggles come my way, I know that You will be my refuge and strength.


I'll be safe wherever you are
I know that I am never alone, and that You are always with me, bringing me peace and security.


Just let me sail into your harbor of lights
When I come to the end of my life, I know that You will welcome me into the glory of heaven.


And there and forever to cast out my night
In the eternal light of Your presence, there will be no more darkness or fear, only joy and peace.


Give me my task
I ask that You show me the work that You have prepared for me to do, so that I can use my life to glorify You.


And let me do it right
Help me to use my talents and abilities to the best of my ability, so that I can bring You honor and glory.


And do it with all of my might
Please give me strength and perseverance to complete the work that You have called me to, with enthusiasm and commitment.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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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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