From the recording In The Booth - Download
10. Wayfaring Stranger (Traditional)
Another song that came through Ed - just sitting around his living room, playing with different tunes. (The phrase, "Do you know this song?" always seems to lead us in some of the most unexpected directions!) There are hundreds of versions of this traditional tune - the lyrics are compiled from several of the best known. Of course, it all sounds pretty normal until Ed decides to take it for a swing near the end. Kerry Grombacher was in town at just the right time, and graciously laid the mandolin track that fits perfectly. This is one of my favorite tracks on the album...
Lyrics
I am a poor wayfaring stranger
just traveling through this world of woe.
Yet there's no sickness, toil or danger
in that bright land to which I go.
I'm going there to see my mother -
She said she'd meet me when I come.
I'm only goin' over to Jordan.
I'm only goin' over home.
I know dark clouds will gather 'round me.
I know my way is rough and steep.
But beauteous fields lie just before me
where God's redeemed their vigils keep.
I'm going there to see my loved ones -
Gone on before me one by one.
I'm only goin' over to Jordan.
I'm only goin' over home.
I am a poor wayfaring stranger
just traveling through this world of woe.
Yet there's no sickness, toil or danger
in that bright land to which I go.
I'm going there to see my father.
I'm going there no more to roam.
I'm only goin' over to Jordan.
I'm only goin' over home.
Over home...