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Poor Wayfaring Stranger

from Am I Born to Die? by The Ghosts of Johnson City

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The origins of this extremely popular traditional song vary; some say it can be found as far back as the 1780’s and some say as late as the 1800’s. Theories of its thematic origins vary as well, with some saying it may have come from an African-American spiritual, been based on an indigenous American song or perhaps even developed from a song brought by nomadic Portuguese settlers in the southern Appalachian mountains. We know that this song first gained fame in Appalachian revivalist sermons before making its way west and becoming popular with early American pioneers.

The singer, contemplating better times with his departed family in the afterlife, expresses a familiar sense of alienation and being aware that he is inhabiting this physical world only temporarily.

lyrics

I am a poor wayfaring stranger

Traveling through this world alone

There is no sickness, toil or danger

In that fair land to which I go



I'm going home to see my mother

I'm going home no more to roam

I'm just going over Jordan

I’m just going over home



I know dark clouds will gather o’er me

I know my path is rough and steep

What golden fields lie out before me

Where weary eyes no more will weep



I'm going home to home see my father

I'm going home no more to roam

I'm just going over Jordan

I’m just going over home



I'll soon be free from every trial

This form shall rest beneath the sun

I'll drop that cross of self-denial

And enter in that home with God



I’m going home to see my brothers

I'm going home no more to roam

I'm just going over Jordan

I’m just going over home



I want to wear a crown of glory

When I reach the promised land

I want to shout salvation's story

In concert with the blood-washed band

I'm going home to see my Savior

I'm going home no more to roam

I'm just going over Jordan

I’m just going over home

credits

from Am I Born to Die?, released October 20, 2015

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The Ghosts of Johnson City Portland, Maine

Based in Maine with musical roots in Appalachia and the Deep South, The Ghosts of Johnson City present simple and soulful versions of old mountain music, Civil War songs, coal-mining melodies, disaster chronicles, haunting murder ballads and tunes of love and loss in times of poverty. ... more

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