The Wayfaring Stranger 
1784 
I'm just a poor wayfaring stranger 
A-trav'lin' through this world of woe, 
But there's no sickness, toil or danger 
In that bright 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 goin' there to see my father; 
I'm goin' there, no more to roam. 
I'm just a-goin' over Jordan, 
I'm just a-goin' over home. 
 
I know dark clouds will gather 'round me. 
My way is steep and rough, I know, 
But fertile fields lie just before me 
In that fair land to which I go. 
 
I'm goin' there to see my brother; 
I'm goin' there, no more to roam. 
I'm just a-goin' over Jordan, 
I'm just a-goin' over home.
 
                
		