The Journey
The Oak Ridge Boys Lyrics

I stumbled down a long dark road
The singer's journey thus far has been difficult and challenging, as made evident through the symbolism of the dark road.

From sunlight I had strayed
The singer had departed from a positive state or period of their life, into a darker and more trying period.

The demons came and beckoned me
During this difficult period, the singer struggled with feelings of fear and despair, represented by the demons who called out to them.

I was lost and so afraid
The artist felt adrift and helpless during this time, resulting in the aforementioned fear and despair.

I felt that I was falling
The emotions experienced by the artist became increasingly intense and dire as time went on, as represented by the sensation of falling.

I thought it was a dream
The singer struggled to come to grips with the reality of their situation, as it felt too overwhelming to be real.

I called upon my Father
In their time of need, the singer reached out to a higher power (in this case, a divine figure).

To come and rescue me
The artist desired help from this divine figure in order to alleviate the burden of their struggles.

A door just seemed to open
A turning point occurred in the artist's life, where they felt they were given a new opportunity.

The darkness turned to light
Through this newfound opportunity, the darkness that had previously consumed the artist dissipated and gave way to light (both literally and metaphorically).

The Lord appeared before me
The singer's divine figure made themselves known to the singer, indicating the validity of their faith and the power of their prayers.

He wore a robe of white
The visual of the divine figure wearing white represents purity, goodness, and hope.

He spoke my name softly
The divine figure addressed the singer directly and lovingly, indicating an intimate relationship.

I felt such peace within
The singer experienced a profound sense of calm and comfort through their interactions with their divine figure.

He gently wrapped me in His arms
The divine figure physically embraced the singer, providing reassurance and guidance.

And forgave me all my sins
Through their divinity, the figure forgave the artist for perceived transgressions, providing a sense of redemption.

Another door was opened
The artist continued along their journey, and upon reaching another new opportunity, a door was opened.

A vision came so clear
Through this new opportunity, the singer was granted clarity and an enhanced sense of understanding.

I was on a ship now sailing
In their newfound clarity, the singer embarked on a journey towards a new destination, representing the pursuit of their new opportunity.

My Lord was standing near
The divine figure returned, continuing to show support and guidance through the artist's journey.

He pointed towards the distant shore
The divine figure indicated that the ultimate goal of the artist's journey was within sight, represented by the distant shore.

And whispered to my soul
The divine figure spoke to the innermost and most intimate aspects of the artist's being, acknowledging their emotional and spiritual journey alongside the physical one.

"Your journey now is o'er my child
The divine figure declared that the singer's journey had reached its intended end, providing closure and the realization of their goals.

Rejoice and welcome home"
The divine figure encouraged the artist to celebrate their accomplishments, recognizing the work they had put in to reach their destination.

I saw my precious mother
The singer was granted a vision of a loved one who had passed on, providing comfort and a sense of connection to that person.

She was waiting by the river
The loved one was waiting for the singer at a symbolic threshold, representing crossing over from one state of being to another.

She smiled and waved and called my name
The loved one expressed joy and recognition upon seeing the singer, proving a sense of warmth and familiarity.

There were angels all around her
The artist's loved one was met by spiritual beings upon their arrival, represented by the angels.

No sickness, pain or sorrow
The artist's loved one existed in a state of pure peace and joy, free from negative aspects of humanity such as pain and sorrow.

No strife, no fear of war
The singer's loved one's present state was characterized by even greater absence of disruption, beyond just physical or emotional struggles.

No devil's lies, no children cry
The loved one was in a realm where the worst aspects of human behavior and experience -- represented by the devil's lies and children crying -- had no presence or power.

All is peace forevermore
The loved one existed in a state of eternal peace and tranquility.

Oh brother, my dear brother
The artist addresses someone close to them -- a friend or family member -- who they wish to impart some of their new knowledge and experience to.

You life could end today
The artist offers a warning or cautionary statement about the fleeting nature of human existence.

Except a man be born again
The singer stresses the importance of spiritual renewal and re-dedication to a higher power, as a means of achieving a more fulfilling existence.

He cannot see the way
The artist notes that without spiritual understanding or direction, one may become lost or feel directionless.

For Jesus there is waiting
The singer indicates that Jesus (or their chosen divine figure) is present and available for support and guidance.

To lead us past the grave
The singer suggests that through a spiritual journey, one can overcome the fear or anxiety associated with death.

And take us home to be with Him
The singer expresses the belief that through spiritual perfection or redemption, one can achieve a sense of oneness with their higher power.

When the final journey's made
The artist references a final, ultimate journey -- likely representing death -- and suggests that spiritual understanding is key to navigating it successfully.

When the final journey's made
The artist repeats this line, providing emphasis and a sense of finality to their message.