(Poor) Wayfaring Stranger is a very popular American folk and gospel song whose pedigree is far from exact, despite the many “exact assertions” made about it. Depending on the musicologist you find most reliable, the song is an early American hymn or a reworked Negro spiritual or even a song from the Portuguese Melungeons (Black Dutch) of the southern Appalachians… dates back to the 1780s or the early-1800s… and speaks to a plaintive soul on the journey through life or contemplating better times with their family in the afterlife. Regardless, and likely a result of the continual reinvention of the song, “Wayfaring Stranger” remains a popular, prominent constant in American folk, gospel, pop, and even rock music – with the song being recorded by a wide variety of artists that includes Burl Ives, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, Rhiannon Giddens, Johnny Cash, Jack White, and Ed Sheeran. Members of the Western Writers of America placed it #73 on the list of the Top 100 Western songs of all time. Truly a timeless and universal song to this day…

Lyrics

I am a poor wayfaring stranger, I’m traveling through this world of woe. And there’s no sickness, no toil, no danger in that bright land to which I go. I’m going back to see my brother, and all my loved ones who’ve gone on. 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 rough and steep. But beauteous lands lie just before me where God’s redeemed their vigils keep. I’m going back to see my sister, going nevermore to roam. I’m only going over Jordan, I’m only going over home.

I’ll soon be free from all my trials, my bones shall rest beneath the sod. I’ll lay down this cross of self-denial and enter in my great reward. I’m going back to see my mother, said she’d meet me when I come. I’m only going over Jordan, I’m only going over home.

I’m going to wear a crown of glory when I come home to that bright land. I’m going to sing Salvation’s story together with that sacred band. I’m going back to see my Father, and I’ll live beside His throne. I’m only going over Jordan, I’m only going over home.

I’m going back to see my Father, and I’ll live beside His throne. I’m only going over Jordan, I’m only going over home. I’m only going over home.