Man of Constant Sorrow
Tonic Sol-fa Lyrics


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I am a man of constant sorrow
I've seen trouble all my days
I bid farewell to old Kentucky
The place where I was born and raised
(The place where he was born and raised)
For 6 long years I've been in trouble
No pleasure here on earth I find
For in this world I'm bound to ramble
I have no friend to help me now
(He has no friends to help him now)
...
Maybe your friends think
I'm just a stranger
My face you'll never see no more
For since the promise I've given




I'll meet you on God's golden shore
I'm gonna meet you on that golden shore

Overall Meaning

The song "Man of Constant Sorrow" tells the story of a man who has lived a troubled life and has no hope left in this world. He bids farewell to his birthplace, Kentucky, and sets out on a journey of hardship and suffering. The singer describes himself as a man of constant sorrow who has seen trouble all his days, and he laments that he has no friend to help him now.


The song portrays a deep sense of loneliness and despair, as the man feels isolated and disconnected from the world around him. Despite everything, he appears to be resigned to his fate and accepts that he has no choice but to "ramble on" through life, searching for something he may never find. The final lines of the song suggest a glimmer of hope, however, as the man looks forward to meeting his loved one on God's golden shore.


Overall, "Man of Constant Sorrow" is a powerful and emotional song that captures the struggles and hardships of life, as well as the universal desire for something beyond the here and now.


Line by Line Meaning

I am a man who has experienced constant pain and suffering
Throughout my life, I have faced many hardships


I am saying goodbye to the place where I was born and raised, Kentucky
Kentucky is the place where I have all my memories and where I lived my life


For a period of six long years, I have been struggling
I am unable to find any happiness in this world


I have no choice but to wander around this difficult life
I have no one around me to help or support me


It's possible that your friends may dislike or not recognize me
You will not be able to see my face again


Since I have promised to meet you on God's golden shore
I am certain that we will reunite on that peaceful shore




Writer(s): Carter Stanley

Contributed by Lila N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Jim FondaLee Savas


on Rescued Me

Love this song.

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