All My Trials
The Seekers Lyrics


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Hush little baby don't you cry
You know your mama was born to die
All my trials Lord soon be over

I've got a little book with pages three
And every page spells liberty
All my trials Lord soon be over
There grows a tree in paradise
And the pilgrims call it the Tree of Life
All my trials Lord soon be over

River Jordan is muddy and cold
Well it chills the body but not the soul
All my trials Lord soon be over

If livin' was a thing that money could buy
Then the rich would live and the poor would die
All my trials Lord soon be over

Too late my brothers
Too late but never mind




All my trials Lord soon be over
All my trials Lord soon be over

Overall Meaning

The Seekers' song "All My Trials" is a sentimental and mournful melody that talks about death and the afterlife. The singer advises a child not to cry because the mother knows she was "born to die." However, the singer suggests that these "trials" will soon be over. In each verse, the singer talks about an aspect of life or death, which they believe is temporary. The second verse speaks of a little book filled with pages of "liberty," suggesting that true freedom can only be found in the afterlife. The following verse discusses a tree in "paradise" that represents eternal life. The River Jordan is the subject of the fourth verse, with its cold and muddy waters that can chill the body but not the soul. Finally, the singer reflects on how wealth cannot save anyone from death in the last verse.


Despite the somber subject matter, the song ends on a hopeful note. The singer remarks, "Too late, my brothers / Too late, but never mind / All my trials Lord soon be over / All my trials Lord soon be over." This final passage implies that death will come to all in good time, but there is no need to worry because soon it will all be over, and one can finally rest. Throughout the song, The Seekers' gentle and soothing harmonies serve to comfort and reassure the listener, making All My Trials a touching and poignant tune.


Line by Line Meaning

Hush little baby don't you cry
Be at peace, child, and do not worry


You know your mama was born to die
Death is inevitable for all, including your mother


All my trials Lord soon be over
My struggles and hardships will come to an end soon


I've got a little book with pages three
I possess a small book with only three pages


And every page spells liberty
Each page represents freedom


There grows a tree in paradise
In heaven, there is a tree that exists


And the pilgrims call it the Tree of Life
The Tree of Life is its name, given by devout travelers


River Jordan is muddy and cold
The river Jordan is cold and murky


Well it chills the body but not the soul
It may affect the physical body, but not the spirit


If livin' was a thing that money could buy
If life could be bought with wealth


Then the rich would live and the poor would die
The wealthy would thrive, while the poor would perish


Too late my brothers
It is too late, my comrades


Too late but never mind
Despite the time passed, it is not a concern


All my trials Lord soon be over
My struggles and hardships will come to an end soon




Contributed by Camden L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

misterdakman

great song and outstanding performance!

Brian Pope

I cannot believe this girls voice, it's hard to choose between Judith & Joan but this is a great version of this song.

Donna King

This is so beautiful. I would still love to hear the lads harmonies.

Stephanie Barr

Classic Judith Durham. Sweet as a bell and controlled like no one else. So much feeling it takes the breath away.

Atty Windgassen

I have always loved the version of Joan Beaz, and at the same time was always so annoyed by the nasal sound of her voice. This is a superb replacement for me ! Thank you so very much!

Atty Windgassen

@taddyd1 we'll have to agree to disagree on this one...

taddyd1

Shrill and not as intense or clear as Baez

Qwerty Pumpkin

what a beautiful voice, thankyou seekerarchive

Doug Mulley

Now THAT'S a voice!

taddyd1

Do they cover EVERY Baez track???

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