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Origins: Wayfaring Stranger

DigiTrad:
I AM A POOR WAYFARING STRANGER


Related threads:
Origins: I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger (60)
Folklore: Wayfaring Stranger Research Project (19)
Story: The Ballad of the Wayfaring Stranger... (1)
I like this version of WayfaringStranger (31)
Tune Req: Wayfaring Stranger (4)
Wayfarin (6)


Mike 26 Feb 97 - 12:27 PM
Susan of DT 26 Feb 97 - 06:43 PM
27 Feb 97 - 05:42 AM
Andy 16 Jul 98 - 05:58 PM
dick greenhaus 16 Jul 98 - 11:32 PM
Bert C. 17 Jul 98 - 01:13 PM
Thomas O. McCoy 18 Jul 98 - 12:46 AM
Philip Hudson 18 Jul 98 - 07:40 PM
Philip Hudson 18 Jul 98 - 07:51 PM
Susan of DT 19 Jul 98 - 09:47 AM
Tinwhistler 19 Jul 98 - 11:38 AM
Kathleen NiBriain 19 Jul 98 - 02:08 PM
Barry Finn 19 Jul 98 - 02:26 PM
Alice 19 Jul 98 - 03:45 PM
Philip Hudson 21 Jul 98 - 10:26 AM
Allan C. 21 Jul 98 - 11:42 AM
Barbara Shaw 21 Jul 98 - 09:38 PM
22 Jul 98 - 02:57 PM
GUEST,Jennifer Busick 02 Nov 00 - 10:49 PM
GUEST,jaze 02 Nov 00 - 11:58 PM
GUEST 03 Nov 00 - 09:45 AM
Dicho (Frank Staplin) 04 Jan 02 - 01:45 AM
Dicho (Frank Staplin) 04 Jan 02 - 02:15 AM
Dicho (Frank Staplin) 04 Jan 02 - 02:58 AM
Burke 09 Jan 02 - 06:26 PM
Burke 09 Jan 02 - 06:52 PM
Burke 09 Jan 02 - 08:15 PM
Q (Frank Staplin) 22 Oct 03 - 03:13 PM
GUEST,Joe_F 06 Aug 05 - 08:49 AM
GUEST 26 Jan 07 - 01:49 PM
Scoville 26 Jan 07 - 01:51 PM
SouthernCelt 27 Jan 07 - 09:34 AM
Q (Frank Staplin) 04 Jul 07 - 04:06 PM
PoppaGator 01 Oct 07 - 09:22 PM
SouthernCelt 02 Oct 07 - 07:56 AM
Q (Frank Staplin) 02 Oct 07 - 04:37 PM
Q (Frank Staplin) 02 Oct 07 - 04:57 PM
Q (Frank Staplin) 02 Oct 07 - 05:02 PM
T in Oklahoma (Okiemockbird) 02 Jun 08 - 07:36 PM
GUEST,dlitedw 05 Jun 08 - 01:54 AM
Jim Dixon 19 Oct 10 - 01:24 PM
olddude 19 Oct 10 - 01:26 PM
Q (Frank Staplin) 19 Oct 10 - 03:14 PM
GUEST,izzy 30 Jan 11 - 04:37 PM
olddude 30 Jan 11 - 04:48 PM
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Subject: Wayfaring Stranger
From: Mike
Date: 26 Feb 97 - 12:27 PM

I've been looking for lyrics to this tune, often played as a Bluegrass number.


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Subject: RE: Wayfaring Stranger
From: Susan of DT
Date: 26 Feb 97 - 06:43 PM

It's in the Digital Tradition. I searched for wayfar*


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Subject: RE: Wayfaring Stranger
From:
Date: 27 Feb 97 - 05:42 AM

Yes, it is in the Digital Tradition database.

Try looking in the list of titles. Look for: "I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger"

Sandy namaqua@ix.netcom.com


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Subject: RE: Wayfaring Stranger
From: Andy
Date: 16 Jul 98 - 05:58 PM

But where did I first hear it ? Is it rercorded by someone like Burl Ives, or Pete Seeger, or Guthrie ?


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Subject: RE: Wayfaring Stranger
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 16 Jul 98 - 11:32 PM

In the 40's, Burl Ives used this as a signature tune; he billed himself as The Wayfaring Stranger.Back then, he had a radio show, and some folk purists used to sing:

I'm just a radio folksinger
I'll keep on singing till I die.
I'm in a rut, and there I'll linger
Forever bleating The Blue Tail Fly
I'll sing the same old tired folksongs
Though list'ners sigh and cry and groan
I'll do the same old stuff for Philco
Till fatter contracts do come along.

Philco was the sponsor; sometimes there was a word
substitution for "stuff"


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Subject: RE: Wayfaring Stranger
From: Bert C.
Date: 17 Jul 98 - 01:13 PM

As I recall, Glenn Yarbrough recorded it with the Limelighters. I'm not sure which album.


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Subject: RE: Wayfaring Stranger
From: Thomas O. McCoy
Date: 18 Jul 98 - 12:46 AM

This is a great old song. In addition to the other folks answers this song was also done by Peter Paul and Mary on I believe their debut album circa 1961 ( I may be wrong it could have been their 2nd, since I haven't heard my vinyl for a long time.) I'd give you the words but it's late and my bourbon is clouding my mind.


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Subject: RE: Wayfaring Stranger
From: Philip Hudson
Date: 18 Jul 98 - 07:40 PM

This is a hymn of unknown origin of both music and words,or at least unknown to the hymn publisher. George Beverly Shea of the Billy Graham Association used to sing it. We used to sing it in church but it is not in any of our latest hymnals. I think it is not "up beat" enough. It is in the Broadman Hymnal of 1940, #74. - Philip Hudson


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Subject: RE: Wayfaring Stranger
From: Philip Hudson
Date: 18 Jul 98 - 07:51 PM

PS: Words in the DTD are almost the same as the words in the hymnal. There are more in the hymnal. If anyone requests, I will send them. - Philip Hudson


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Subject: RE: Wayfaring Stranger
From: Susan of DT
Date: 19 Jul 98 - 09:47 AM

Philip- Consider this a request. Please post 'em here.


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Subject: RE: Wayfaring Stranger
From: Tinwhistler
Date: 19 Jul 98 - 11:38 AM

I am a poor wayfarin' stranger While travelin' through this world of woe But there's no sickness, toil or danger In that bright land to which I go. I'm going there to see my mother I'm going there no more to roam I'm juast a-going over Jordan* I'm just a -going over home

*I have also heard: I'm just a-goin over yonder

Sorry--don't remember any more. Or even if there IS any more! Hope this helps!


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Subject: Lyr Add: I AM A POOR WAYFARING STRANGER (Irish)
From: Kathleen NiBriain
Date: 19 Jul 98 - 02:08 PM

^^
I AM A POOR WAYFARING STRANGER

I am a poor wayfaring stranger
A-trav'ling through this land of woe.
And there's no sickness, toil or danger
In that bright land to which I go.
I'm going there, O Mighty Bile
I'm going there no more to roam;
I'm only going over Shannon
I'm only going over home.

I know dark clouds will gather 'round me
I know my way is rough and steep;
But Emerald Isle lie just before me
Tuath redeemed their vigil keep.
I'm going there, O Mother Danu
She said she'd meet me when I come
I'm only going over Shannon
I'm only going over home.

Then shall I rest in fields of heather
Then shall I walk through hills of green
And when I'm home I'll leave it never
But until then, each night I dream
I'm going there to meet my Family
I'm going there no more to roam
And they'll come running when they see me
And in embrace, say welcome home.

HTML line breaks added. --JoeClone, 3-Aug-02.


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Subject: RE: Wayfaring Stranger
From: Barry Finn
Date: 19 Jul 98 - 02:26 PM

Kathleen, you can't just post that version, with it's celtic lore & then not say, maybe who wrote it or when & where you might have picked it up? Come on, give it up. Curious Barry


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Subject: RE: Wayfaring Stranger
From: Alice
Date: 19 Jul 98 - 03:45 PM

To add even another version... to the same tune, there is the song 'Julianne'. I tried to find it in the database with numerous searches, but I don't think it is there. If you want the lyrics, I can type them in later. I have a version memorized that I learned in the 60's, but I don't remember who recorded it. Could have been the New Christy Minstrels. It begins: "The other side of Sunny Mountain, that's the place it all began,
There once lived the fairest maiden, and her name was Julianne.
Have you seen her in the moonlight, silver rings upon her hands,
now she wears a crown of sorrow, and her name is Julianne."

alice in montana




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Subject: Lyr Add: THE WAYFARING STRANGER (Broadman Hymnal)
From: Philip Hudson
Date: 21 Jul 98 - 10:26 AM

THE WAYFARING STRANGER from The Broadman Hymnal 1940 #74
^^

I am a poor wayfaring stranger, while traveling thro' this world below;
There is no sickness, toil, nor danger in that bright world to which I go.
I'm going there to meet my father, I'm going there no more to roam;
I am just going over Jordan, I am just going over home.

I know dark clouds will gather o'er me, I know my pathway way's rough and steep;
But golden fields lie out before me, where weary eyes no more shall weep.
I'm going there to see my mother, she said she'd meet me when I come;
I am just going over Jordan, I am just going over home.

I want to sing salvation's story in concert with the blood washed band.
I want to wear a crown of glory, when I get home to that good land.
I'm going there to see my classmates, who passed before me one by one;
I am just going over Jordan, I am just going over home.

I'll soon be free from every trial, this form will rest beneath the sod;
I'll drop the cross of self denial, and enter in my home with God.
I'm going there to see my Savior, who shed for me His precious blood;
I am just going over Jordan, I am just going over home.

I am delighted with Dick Greenhaus' Burl Ives version. Kathleen NiBriain's version where Ireland is seen as heaven is a familiar folk type for which I am glad. I wonder how hard it would be to live in New York in the early 1800s as an Irish immigrant far from the "old sod". Alice, find and post the words to Julianne if you can. The more lyrics to old tunes the better. - Philip Hudson


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Subject: RE: Wayfaring Stranger
From: Allan C.
Date: 21 Jul 98 - 11:42 AM

I first heard W.S. on a now ancient album of Gogi Grant. Nothing special about the lyrics - straight out of a hymnal. I still think the arrangement she used was pretty cool. There was a male chorus backing her up, singing: "Stranger. Wayfaring Stranger." as she began the song. Wish you could hear it. A number of traditional gospel songs were included on the record. They were a bit "uptown" for my current tastes but introduced me to some songs I might otherwise have never heard. W. S. has always been among the songs I love to sing. Glad to find the other lyrics such as those from Alice and Kathleen. Puts a whole different complexion to it.


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Subject: RE: Wayfaring Stranger
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 21 Jul 98 - 09:38 PM

I have noted in my copy of the lyrics that "A. Williams" wrote it. Don't know my source. Emmy-Lou Harris also recorded it (great version).


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Subject: Lyr Add: WAYFARING STRANGER
From:
Date: 22 Jul 98 - 02:57 PM

This is also a well-known Shape Note (Sacred Harp) tune. Check out http://fasola.org/ for all the news about Sacred Harp singing in the US and in the UK.

This tune is on page 457 of the most popular Sacred Harp hymnal currently in use, the 1991 Edition; copyright is held by The Sacred Harp Publishing Company, Bremen, Georgia

Tune: John M. Dye, 1935
Lyrics: Bever's Christian Songster, 1858

I am a poor, wayfaring stranger,
While journ'ying through this world of woe,
Yet, there's no sickness, toil nor danger,
In that bright world to which I go.
I'm going there to see my Father,
I'm going there no more to roam;

Chorus:

I'm only going over Jordan,
I'm only going over home.

I know dark clouds will gather o'er me,
I know my way is rough and steep;
Yet beaut'ous fields lie just before me,
Where God's redeemed their vigils keep.
I'm going there to see my Mother,
She said she'd meet me when I come.

(Chorus)

I want to wear a crown of glory,
When I get home to that good land;
I want to shout Salvation's story,
In concert with the blood-washed band.
I'm going there to meet my Savior,
To sing His praise forevermore;

(Chorus)

HTML line breaks added. --JoeClone, 3-Aug-02.


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Subject: RE: Wayfaring Stranger
From: GUEST,Jennifer Busick
Date: 02 Nov 00 - 10:49 PM

Found it, Alice, Thanks! I was sure there had to be more to it than I knew. Would you believe I never realized that was the same tune as wayfaring stranger? I've only heard the Emmylou Harris version, which is excellent, but apparently stylized enough that I didn't connect the two.

Jennifer


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Subject: RE: Wayfaring Stranger
From: GUEST,jaze
Date: 02 Nov 00 - 11:58 PM

Joan Baez does a beautiful version of this song as a duet with her sister,Mimi Farina. Can't recall which early lp it was on--either Farewell Angelina or David's Album.It is on her box set.


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Subject: RE: Wayfaring Stranger
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Nov 00 - 09:45 AM

For another recent thread on this song, click here.


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Subject: Lyr Add: THE PILGRIM SONG (WAYFARING STRANGER)
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 01:45 AM

THE PILGRIM SONG (WAYFARING STRANGER)

I am a poor wayfaring stranger,
While journeying through this world of woe;
But there is no sickness, toil, no danger,
In that bright world to which I go.

I'm going there to see my classmates,
They said they'd meet me when I come;
I'm just a going over Jordan,
I'm just going over home.

I know dark clouds'll gather 'round me,
I know my road is rough and steep;
Yet there bright fields are lying just before me,
Where God's redeemed their vigils keep.

I'm going there to see my mother,
She said she'd meet me when I come;
I'm just going over Jordan,
I'm just a going over home.

I'll soon be free from every trial,
My body will sleep in the old churchyard.
I'll quit the cross of self-denial,
And enter in my great reward.

I'm going there to see my mother, etc.
(Repeat verse 4)

The Negro and His Songs, H. W. Odum and G. B. Johnson, 1925, Univ. North Carolina Press (reprint by Negro Universities Press, 1968 etc.), p. 137-138.
The Pilgrim's Song "may be called a standard hymn of the Negroes. There is a story that Bishop Allen, the founder of the African M. E. Church, composed the song on his dying bed." "While the sadly hopeful words of the song are of a higher type than the average spiritual, and while its metrical form is far above the usual, the song still combines many of the ideas and phrases of the favorite spirituals of the slaves."
Whether this story of the song's authorship is seemingly not verifiable, this version is probably as close to a "Negro" version of the song as we will get. In the hymn books of the white South (posted in another thread) are different versions, dates 1862 and 1864. I will try and check the date of Bishop Allen's death.
@religion @hymn @spiritual


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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Wayfaring Stranger
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 02:15 AM

Versions printed in Dett 1927 (and Jackson 1933), posted by Masato Sakurai; in Hymns for The Camp, 1862; and The Southern Zion's Songster, 1864, posted by Dicho, are in thread Hymn Stories?
Hymn stories


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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Wayfaring Stranger
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 02:58 AM

Bishop Richard Allen: Born a slave, purchased his freedom. Formed a congregation in 1787 when the Methodist Church in which they worshiped essentially threw them out. Allen purchased land and the first church owned by black people was established in 1793. Allen became bishop of the A. M. E. in 1816. He died in March, 1831.


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Subject: Lyr Add: I'M JUST A-GOING OVER HOME / WAYFARING...
From: Burke
Date: 09 Jan 02 - 06:26 PM

Here's another variant (1882). Note the additional verse at 3. First half of the last 2 verses (classmates & Savior) are reversed from those given above from Cayce. Other differences are minor, i.e. "just a-going" instead of "only going." Lower case on father in v. 1.

I'm Just a-Going Over Home (WAYFARING STRANGER)

I am a poor, wayfaring stranger,
While journeying thro' this world of woe;
Yet there's no sickness, toil or danger,
In that bright world to which I go.
I'm going there to see my father,
I'm going there no more to roam;
I'm just a-going over Jordan,
I'm just a-going over home.

I know dark clouds will gather round me,
I know my way is rough and steep;
Yet brighter fields lie just before me,
Where God's redeemed their vigils keep.
I'm going there to see my mother--
She said she'd meet me when I come;
I'm just a-going over Jordan,
I'm just a-going over home.

I feel my sins are all forgiven,
My hopes are placed on things above;
I'm going o'er to yon bright heaven,
Where all is joy and peace and love.
I'm going there to see my children-
I know they're near my Father's throne;
I'm just a-going over Jordan,
I'm just a-going over home.

I want to wear a crown of glory,
when I get home to that good land;
I want to shout salvation's story,
In concert with the blood-washed band.
I'm going there to see my classmates,
Who've gone before me one by one;
I'm just a-going over Jordan,
I'm just a-going over home.

I'll soon be freed from every trial,
My body will sleep in the church-yard;
I'll drop the cross of self-denial,
And enter on my great reward.
I'm going there to see my Savior,
To sing his praise in heaven's dome;
I'm just a-going over Jordan,
I'm just a-going over home.

From: Taylor, M.W., Revival Hymns and Plantation Melodies M.W. Taylor and W.C. Echols, Publishers, Cincinnati, 1883; c1882. no.55 p. 95. Reproduced in: Garst, John F., "Poor Wayfaring Stranger--Early Publications." The Hymn, v. 31, no.2 (1980): p.97-101.

@religion @hymn @spiritual


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Subject: Lyr Add: GOING OVER JORDAN (WAYFARING STRANGER)
From: Burke
Date: 09 Jan 02 - 06:52 PM

GOING OVER JORDAN (Wayfaring Stranger)
8s & 9s

1. I am a pilgrim and a stranger,
While wandering through this world of woe;
But there's no sickness, death, nor sorrow,
In that bright world to which I go.

CHORUS:
I'm going there to see my father,
I'm going there to see my Lord;
I'm just a going over Jordan,
I'm just a going over home.

2. I feel my sins are all forgiven,
I feel I'm on my journey home;
I'm going away to that sweet heaven,
Where Jesus smiles and bids me come.

CHORUS:
I'm going there to see my mother, &c.

3. I'm going away to life's bright river,
I'm going there to see my Lord;
I'm going there to live forever,
According to his precious word.

CHORUS:
I'm going there to see my brethren, &c.

4. I'm going to a world of pleasure,
That's far beyond this world of strife;
For there's my heart and there's my treasure,
And there's the blooming tree of life.

CHORUS:
I'm going there to see my sisters, &c.

5. I'm going there to rest forever,
From all my labors and my toils;
Where kindred spirits ne'er shall sever,
In that eternal world of joy.

CHORUS:
I'm going there to see my children, &c.

From: Beaver, John., The Christian Songster, Dayton, Ohio: Printing establishment of the United Brethren in Christ, 1858. Text only, no. 23, p. 34. Reproduced in: Garst, John F., "Poor Wayfaring Stranger--Early Publications." The Hymn, v. 31, no.2 (1980): p.97-101. @religion @hymn @spiritual


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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Wayfaring Stranger
From: Burke
Date: 09 Jan 02 - 08:15 PM

Here's my summary of:
Garst, John F., "Poor Wayfaring Stranger--Early Publications." The Hymn, v. 31, no.2 (1980): p.97-101.

As popular as this hymn became in the late 19th & early 20th century, Garst found few versions in checking hundreds or 19th century hymn books.

The 1882 version above was published by Marshall W. Taylor & is the earliest he found that included a tune. He reported that he found another similar form of the text only from 1867*, but did not reproduce the words. The words varied enough that he thought it unlikely that the 1867 & 1882 versions came from the same source. Garst notes that while the 3rd verse with the 'children' chorus did not get into the hymnal versions, it was collected from oral tradition in the 20th century.**

Beaver's 'Going Over Jordan' from 1858 is clearly related but much simpler than PWS. Without other sources it's impossible to tell if the Beaver version is the "eroded & recomposed residue of a more formal text" or "a recording of an amorphous camp-meeting song that was recomposed to give the Taylor text."

Garst found nothing to confirm or refute the Odum attribution to Bishop Allen that Dicho mentioned.

The version of the tune that appears in most hymnals is the W.T. Dale arrangement in Cayce (see T's words). That version was arranged from Charlie D. Tillman's The Revival (1891) who transcribed it from his father's singing. Tillman's version is 4/4 and major; Dale's is 3/4 and minor with sharp 7ths. Taylor's 1882 version is major and has rhythms that are 'nonsense' but the basic tune fits with the more common version. The nonsense of the rhythms is 4/4 and note values that are very different from the usual.

There's more discussion in this thread.

*Revival and camp meeting minstrel. Philadelphia: Perkinpine & Higgins, 1867. p.272.

**Buchanan, Annabel Morris, Folk hymns of America. New York: J. Fischer [c1938] p. xxvii & 66.


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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Wayfaring Stranger
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 03:13 PM

Almeda Riddle sang "Poor Wayfaring Stranger" for the Wolf Folklore Collection in 1959.
The very interesting audio can be heard here: Wayfaring Stranger


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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Wayfaring Stranger
From: GUEST,Joe_F
Date: 06 Aug 05 - 08:49 AM

I must have picked up these stanzas around 1960 -- I can't remember from whom.
    I'm just a poorly lonesome traveller
    Behind a mule that's powerful slow,
    A-plowin' on to debt and worry,
    The only place that I can go.

    I'm goin' there . . .


    My father lived and died a farmer
    A-reapin' less than he did sow,
    And I just follow in his footsteps
    A-knowin' less than he did know.

    I'm goin' there . . .
--- Joe Fineman    joe_f@verizon.net

||: What's _done_ we partly may compute, But know not what's _resisted_. :||


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Subject: RE: Wayfaring Stranger
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 01:49 PM

Hi,

I just had to add what I know of these two songs when I saw this thread. "Wayfaring Stranger" has a lot of versions, one of which we sang called "Canaan's Land" which has similar lyrics and tune.
Those lyrics, as near as I can recall, are:

"Farewell my friends, I'm bound for Canaan.
I'm traveling through the wilderness.
Your company has been delightful,
I will not leave my soul distressed.

I go away, behind to leave you
Perhaps never to meet again.
But if we never have the pleasure,
I hope we meet in Canaan's Land."

This is usually sung in round.



The other one, "Julie Anne" was one of the songs my grandfather used to play (he played fiddle and banjo) with his brothers. It was one of their standards. Here are the lyrics they sang:


"The shady side of sunny mountain
That's the place it all began.
There once lived the fairest maiden,
And her name was Julie Anne.

Now Julie's beau was tall and handsome
Just a poor boy with treasures few,
Still he promised rings of silver,
For to prove his love was true.

"Wake me early in the morning
Ere the birds begin to sing
I'll fetch silver from the mountain
And I'll fashion thee a ring"

(chorus)
Have you seen her in the moonlight,
Silver rings upon her hands
Now she wears a crown of sorrow,
And her name is Julie Anne.

Off he rode across the mountain
When the fields were damp with dew
But instead he went around them
And a courting, a courting Jenny Lou.

The cabin door was standin' open
On that wild and lonesome night
And the hound dog he lay dyin'
In the gloomy firelight.

(chorus)
Have you seen her in the moonlight,
Silver rings upon her hands
Now she wears a crown of sorrow,
And her name is Julie Anne.

They found her shattered empty rifle
And the shawl she used to wear,
But they never found his Julie
And they never found, they never found the hungry bear!

(chorus)
Have you seen her in the moonlight,
Silver rings upon her hand?
Now she wears a crown of sorrow
And her name, and her name is Julianne.


These lyrics are nearly identical to the ones posted by Alice earlier in the thread, and it was done by The New Christy Minstrels in the early 60's. I think the album was "Tall Tales" or something. My Papa used to sing us this song when we were just little - and sang them to my mother before that. She remembers it back to the 50's.
As to how far back it originally goes, Papa was singing it long ago when he was a young man in Kentucky, but we have no idea when it started. My mother said he made up a couple of verses to fill in the story, and she is going to look around for them. If I find them, I will post them here.
Thanks,
Laura


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Subject: RE: Wayfaring Stranger
From: Scoville
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 01:51 PM

It's pretty much the same tune as the Joan Baez version of "Silver Dagger", too, but with different timing.


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Subject: RE: Wayfaring Stranger
From: SouthernCelt
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 09:34 AM

I thought "Canaan's Land" was a shape note song with a different tune from "Wayfarin' Stranger". I say that because I've got a collection of MP3 live recording from some church sings and one of the songs is called "Canaan's Land" and doesn't sound like "WS" to me. Haven't heard the shape note version of "WS" lyrics.

The version of "Wayfarin' Stranger" that I've learned recently is the lyric version done by Jack White on the soundtrack for "Cold Mountain". It's very similar to the Broadman Hymnal version given above but missing one verse. Instead of 'going there' it says 'going home' and has a few other word substitutions.

Based on the postings here, I think it's safe to say that this is one that's been around long enough to have had a lot of interpretations, arrangements and outright alterations made by various singers so that finding the 'original' lyrics may now be nigh to impossible.
SC


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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Wayfaring Stranger
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 04 Jul 07 - 04:06 PM

See thread 42241, Ballad of Julie Ann: Julie Anne

"Julianne" (often mis-spelled) does not belong in this thread.


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Subject: Lyr Add:I AM A POOR WAYFARING STRANGER
From: PoppaGator
Date: 01 Oct 07 - 09:22 PM

I went to the DT to look up the lyrics to this old spiritual. I concluded that something wasn't right when I got to the second verse and noticed that "Steep and rough" did not rhyme with "no more shall weep." So I went looking for another source.

Lift Every Voice and Sing II is a hymnal published by the Episcopal Church featuring all-African-American material. Here's the lyrics found there. (Changing "steep and rough" to "rough and steep" saves that rhyme in verse two, obviously enough. The differences between the DT and LEVAS versions are greater in each successive verse ~ the four and final verses of the two versions are completely different:

I am a poor wayfaring stranger
Traveling through this land of woe
And there's no sickness, toil or danger
In that bright world to which I go

I'm going home to see my father, I'm going there no more to roam
I'm just a going over Jordan; I'm just a-going over home.
        
I know dark clouds will gather round me
I know my way is rough and steep
But golden fields lie just beyond me
Where weary eyes no more shall weep

I'm going home to see my mother, I'm going there no more to roam
I'm just a going over Jordan; I'm just a-going over home.

I want to shout Salvation's glory
In concert with the blood-washed band
I want to wear a crown of glory
When I get home to that bright land

I'm going home to see my brothers, I'm going there no more to roam
I'm just a going over Jordan; I'm just a-going over home.

I'll soon be free from every trial
This form will rest beneath the sod
I'll drop the cross of self-denial
And enter in my home with God

I'm going there to see my Savior, Who shed for me His precious blood
I'm just a going over Jordan; I'm just a-going over home.


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Subject: Lyr Add: I AM A POOR WAYFARING STRANGER
From: SouthernCelt
Date: 02 Oct 07 - 07:56 AM

Here's the version done for "Cold Mountain"

I am a poor wayfaring stranger
Travelling through this world of woe
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 am just going over Jordan
I am just going over home

I know dark clouds will hover o'er me,
I know my pathway is rough and steep
Beauteous fields lie right before me
Where weary eyes no more will weep

I'm going home to see my father
I'm going home, no more to roam
I am just going over Jordan
I am just going over home

I'll soon be free from every trial
This form will rest beneath the sun
I'll drop the cross of self-denial
And enter in that home with God

I'm going home to see my Savior
I'm going home, no more to roam
I am just going over Jordan
I am just going over home

Very similar to the one posted above but I've seen others that deviate widely from these.

SC


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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: I am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 02 Oct 07 - 04:37 PM

The verse with 'rough and steep' is rhymed differently in other versions. In one from Odum and Johnson, 1925, "The Negro and His Songs," posted in thread 23495, the verse is:
I know dark clouds'll gather 'round me,
I know my road is rough and steep;
Yet there bright fields are lying just before me,
Where God's redeemed their vigils keep.
'...their vigils keep' is the line in Bever's Christian Songster, 1858, and is the one found in "The Sacred Harp," Wayfaring Stranger
The Cyberhymnal has "Where God's redeemed shall ever sleep" as the last line of that verse. I Am a Poor

The DT version, where the line reads "steep and rough,' comes from Burl Ives, p. 182-185, "The Burl Ives Songbook," and Silber, p. 352, "Folksinger's Wordbook."

Not certain when this old white camp meeting hymn was first used by African-Americans; they sang it in the 1880s. The first great camp meeting was held in Kentucky in 1801, and this song appeared in print in 1816 in Kentucky; one may speculate, without verification, that the song was sung at this first camp meeting.


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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: I am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 02 Oct 07 - 04:57 PM

Sung by Almeda Riddle here:
http://www.lyon.edu/wolfcollection/songs/riddlepoor1246.html
Recording in two parts.
This may have been posted in 23495, linked above.


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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: I am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 02 Oct 07 - 05:02 PM

Riddle Poor Wayfaring


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Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger
From: T in Oklahoma (Okiemockbird)
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 07:36 PM

O wrote:

First known appearance in print 1816, "Kentucky Harmony," as "Judgement." See Traditional Ballads Index.

I have Ananias Davisson's Kentucky Harmony, Second Edition here in front of me, and there is no air named Judgement listed in the index.

Do you have a page number?


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Subject: Lyr Add: WAYFARING STRANGER
From: GUEST,dlitedw
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 01:54 AM

Here's another version of Wayfaring Stranger. I am 71 and have been collecting (& singing) songs for 60 years. This version is Southern Appalachians 1807 according to my notes:

I'm just a poor wayfaring stranger,
a-trav'lin through this world of woe.
But there's no sickness, toil nor danger
in that brigth world to which I go.

I'm goin' there to see my mother,
I'm goin' there no more to roam
I'm just a-goin' over Jordan
I'm just a-goin' over home.

My father lived and died a farmer,
A reapin' less than he did sow
And now I follow in his footsteps
A-knowin' less than he did know.

I'm going there to see my father
(repeat rest of first cho.)

I know dark clouds will gather round me
I know my way is steep and rough
But fertle fields lie just before me
In that fair land to which I go.

I'm goin' there to see my brother
(repeat rest of first cho.)


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Subject: Lyr Add: I AM A POOR WAYFARING STRANGER
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 19 Oct 10 - 01:24 PM

This is apparently not the oldest version that has been posted, but it's the oldest I can find in Google Books, and it has some unique features.

From Revival and Camp Meeting Minstrel (Philadelphia: Perkinpine & Higgins, 1867), page 272:

1. I am a poor wayfaring stranger,
  A journeying through this world of wo,
Through sickness, sorrow, toil, and danger,
  To that bright world to which I go.

    I am going there to see my mother,
      I'm going there no more to roam,
    I'm just going over Jordan,
      I'm just going over home.

2. I know dark clouds may gather round me;
  I know my path 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 father,
      I'm going there no more to roam,
    I'm just going over Jordan,
      I'm just going over home.

3. I want to sing salvation's story
  In concert with the blood-washed band;
I want to wear a crown of glory
  When I get home to that good land.

    I'm going there to see my children,
      I know they are near my Father's throne;
    I'm just going over Jordan,
      I'm just going over home.

4. I feel my sins are all forgiven;
  My thoughts are fixed on things above;
I'm going away to that bright heaven
  Where all is joy, and peace, and love.

    I'm going there to see my classmates,
      They have gone before me one by one,
    I'm just going over Jordan,
      I'm just going over home.

5. I'll soon be free from every trial;
  My body will sleep in the old church-yard;
I'll drop the cross of self-denial,
  And enter on my great reward.

    I'm going there to see my Saviour,
      I'm going there no more to roam;
    I'm just going over Jordan,
      I'm just going over home.


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Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger
From: olddude
Date: 19 Oct 10 - 01:26 PM

Great work Jim .... one of my favorite songs also. I perform it a lot


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Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 19 Oct 10 - 03:14 PM

Good old shoutin' stuff in that book. Sure to drive drummers (salesmen) and dull neighbors away! Thanks for the link.


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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Wayfaring Stranger
From: GUEST,izzy
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 04:37 PM

My daddy was a Bluegrass player and he used to sing Wayfaring Stranger when I was little. He called it one of the original melodies. This is the version he always used to sing.

I'm just a poor, wayfarin stranger
Travellin through this world below
There'll be no sin, no toil or danger
In that fair land, to which I go

I'm going there to see my mother
She said she'd meet me when I come
I'm just going over Jordan
I'm only going over home

What though dark clouds may hover o'er me
What though the pathway's rough and steep
Golden fields will lie before me
And weary eyes, no more shall weep

I'm going there to meet my Savior
Who shed for me his precious blood
I'm just going over Jordan
I'm only going over home
I'm just going over Jordan
I'm only going over home

I've gotta say, it's really interesting to see all of the different versions of this song.


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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Wayfaring Stranger
From: olddude
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 04:48 PM

Izzy
here is my version the way I learned it.   I have heard so many versions of this great old song. It is one of my favorites for sure

wayfarin stranger


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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Wayfaring Stranger
From: My guru always said
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 04:49 PM

My friend Alie Byrne sings a different 3rd verse which I learnt too as I'll be singing harmony to her for this song, I don't know where she got it.

I am a poor wayfaring stranger
A-travelling through this world of woe
And 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 going over Jordan
I'm only going over Home

I know dark clouds will gather round me
I know my way is long and steep
But beauteous fields lie just before me
Where gods redeemed their vigil keep

I'm going there to see my Mother
She said she'd meet me when I come
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over Home

One of these mornings, it won't be long
All men will rise, join hands in song
And on that morning, when we rise up singing
The whole wide world's going to join along

I'm going there to see my Brother
From that land we'll light the way
I am a poor Wayfarin' Stranger
Lookin' for a brighter day
I am a poor Wayfarin' Stranger
Lookin' for a brighter day


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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Wayfaring Stranger
From: RunrigFan
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 07:18 PM

Rachel Walker sings this on her new album An Chall as Coigrach Siubhlach

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBYQtwIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D9VwNAhtJb9Y&rct=j&q=Coigrach%20Siubhlach&ei=n_9FTZbEEM6u8QO_3J2vCQ&usg=AFQjCNG80nlbafjLubrFrAX-uLQPxuWSUw&sig2=sdciv_uSeBjMMkA8LVSd7w&cad=rja

I dont have the album with me at moment to type lyrics :)


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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Wayfaring Stranger
From: RunrigFan
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 08:21 PM

Rachel Walker - Coigreach Siubhlach


These are the verses, im not sure if the lines

A' dol a-mhàin thairis Iordain
A' dol a-mhàin dhan dachaidh thall is for the first chorus

Enjoy




Chan eil mi ach nam coigreach siubhlach
Air seachran fad' an t-saoghail bhochd
Is chan eil tinneas, daors' no mhighean
'Sa bhoillsgeach ait' dha bheil mi dol

I am a poor wayfaring stranger
While travelling through this world of woe
Yet there's no sickness, toil or danger
In that bright world to which I go


Tha mi dol ann a dh'fhaicinn m' athair
Tha mi dol ann gun bhi air chall
A' dol a mhain thairis Iordain
A' dol a mhain dhan dachaidh thall

I'm going there to see my father
I'm going there no more to roam
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home


Bidh neulan dubh' cho dlùth gam bhualadh
Is tha mo shligh' cho cas is cruaidh
Tha raointean bòidheach mach air mo bheulaibh
A thug an Ti dha shaor shluaigh


I know dark clouds will gather round me
I know my way is rough and steep
Yet beautiful fields lie just before me
Where God's redeemed their vigils keep


Tha mi dol ann a dh'fhaicinn mhathair
A tachradh rium, thug i an geall
A' dol a-mhàin thairis Iordain
A' dol a-mhàin dhan dachaidh thall


I going there to see my mother
She said she'd meet me when I come
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home


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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Wayfaring Stranger
From: RunrigFan
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 08:23 PM

It should be beauteous not beautiful ;)


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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Wayfaring Stranger
From: Taconicus
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 08:32 PM

olddude wrote:
here is my version the way I learned it.... It is one of my favorites for sure

And you play it beautifully! ... Um, I mean, beauteously!
;-)


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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Wayfaring Stranger
From: RunrigFan
Date: 07 Feb 11 - 06:06 AM

Hope the lyrics in gaelic was helpful :)


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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Wayfaring Stranger
From: GUEST,Max Johnson
Date: 07 Feb 11 - 02:14 PM

I'm pretty sure that the Stanley Brothers recorded it more than once.


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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Wayfaring Stranger
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 07 Feb 11 - 03:18 PM

This is where I found it when I started singing it.here


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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Wayfaring Stranger
From: Joe_F
Date: 07 Feb 11 - 06:03 PM

The rare stanza beginning "My father lived and died a farmer", provided by dlitedw in 2008, is preceded in one version by the following:

I'm just a poorly lonesome traveller
Behind a mule that's powerful slow
A-plowin on to debt and worry
The only place that I can go.

The two appear together on a separate sheet in my file, in somebody else's handwriting. I have no idea of the date.


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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Wayfaring Stranger
From: RunrigFan
Date: 07 Feb 11 - 09:36 PM

1983

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=FbTOKRGC3SIC&pg=PA293&dq=I%27m+just+a+poor+lonesome+traveller&hl=en&ei=cKtQTav7N420hAeilemuCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA


Amazon

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Folk-Songs-Catskills-Norman-Cazden/dp/0873955811/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1297132541&sr=1-2


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