not sure of the origins. Used to sing it in a trio I was in; I prefer the version by the John Renbourne Band as heard on the album "Maid in Bedlam," that is what we modelled our version on (not quite as "jazzy" as Watson's)

Very powerful song. We were a pagan trip and I think saw it ironically; in other words, why keep following Jesus when there is so much suffering on earth? For Christians, I guess the meaning would be, that that is exactly why to follow Jesus...

Talk about Suffering here below,
and talk about loving Jesus
Talk about suffering here below
and let's keep following Jesus.

The gospel train is comin'
and don't you want to go?
and leave this world of trials
and troubles here below.

Talk about Suffering here below,
and talk about loving Jesus
Talk about suffering here below
and let's keep following Jesus.

Oh don't you hear it father?
and don't you want to go?
and leave this world of trials
and troubles here below.

Oh don't you hear it mother?
and don't you want to go?
and leave this world of trials
and troubles here below.

Talk about Suffering here below,
and talk about loving Jesus
Talk about suffering here below
and let's keep following Jesus.

Oh don't you hear it brothers?
and don't you want to go?
and leave this world of trials
and troubles here below.

Oh don't you hear it sister?
and don't you want to go?
and leave this world of trials
and troubles here below.

Talk about Suffering here below,
and talk about loving Jesus
Talk about suffering here below
and let's keep following Jesus.