Wayfaring Stranger
Patty Griffin Lyrics


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I'm a poor wayfaring stranger
While traveling through this world of woe
Yet there's no sickness, toil, or danger
In that bright world to which I go
I'm going there to see my father
I'm going there no more to roam
I'm only going over to Jordan
I'm only going over home
I know dark clouds will hang 'round me,
I know my way is rough and steep
Yet beauteous fields lie just before me
Where God's redeemed their vigils keep
I'm going there to see my mother
She said she'd meet me when I come
I'm only going over Jordan




I'm only going over home
Traditional Hymn

Overall Meaning

Patty Griffin's rendition of the classic hymn "Wayfaring Stranger" is a hauntingly beautiful and introspective interpretation of life's journey. The song speaks of the struggles and hardships we all experience as we navigate through this world, but also of the hope we have for a brighter future in the next life. The singer identifies as a "poor wayfaring stranger," a term that connotes someone who is lost, lonely and wandering through life without a clear direction or purpose. Despite this, the singer finds comfort in knowing that there is a better place beyond this world, a place free of sickness, toil, and danger, where they will be reunited with their loved ones who have already passed on.


The lyrics reflect on the inevitability of mortality and the hope for a peaceful afterlife. The singer is aware that dark clouds will inevitably gather around them as they journey through life, but chooses to remain optimistic about the beautiful fields that lie ahead. The reference to Jordan is a metaphor for the metaphorical river that separates life and death, and the singer acknowledges that their ultimate goal is to cross over this river and be reunited with their loved ones. The chorus booms with hope as the singer declares that they are only going over home, a sentiment that captures the idea of the cyclical nature of life and death.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm a poor wayfaring stranger
I am a traveler who is destitute and unknown


While traveling through this world of woe
As I journey through this miserable world


Yet there's no sickness, toil, or danger
But in the bright world ahead, there will be no pain, labor or distress


In that bright world to which I go
I am destined for a blissful afterlife


I'm going there to see my father
I am journeying to reunite with my deceased father


I'm going there no more to roam
I have no intention of traveling aimlessly again


I'm only going over to Jordan
I am solely crossing the Jordan River


I'm only going over home
I am simply traveling towards my eternal home


I know dark clouds will hang 'round me,
I am aware that difficult times will come my way


I know my way is rough and steep
I understand my path will be arduous and steep


Yet beauteous fields lie just before me
But I have faith that lovely meadows await me


Where God's redeemed their vigils keep
Where the believers watch over their redeemed souls


I'm going there to see my mother
I am journeying to meet my deceased mother


She said she'd meet me when I come
She promised to greet me when I arrive


I'm only going over Jordan
I am solely crossing the Jordan River


I'm only going over home
I am simply traveling towards my eternal home




Contributed by Samantha F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

MrTValleyguy

Love this

Eric Hogan

Great song except i think it is too much rock.

Beekay Kirchner

Nice follow of Joan Baez.