Poor Wayfaring Stranger is a traditional folk song of unknown origin. There are many and varied opinions as to its origin. Some of the theories include Appalachian Folk, Old Irish, and Catskills Folk. One theory is that it originates from the Negro Spirituals and there was a deliberate concealment of the songs origins. Clearly the song is of a spiritual nature as the Wayfaring Stranger sings of the hardships of his temporal life passing by and speaks of his journeying on to a better place. Regardless of its origins, it is a hauntingly beautiful piece of music. This song has been recorded countless times. Best known artists include:
My Picks are:
Emmy Lou Harris Heartaches and Highway
Eva Cassady Eva By Heart and Song Bird
Natalie Merchant House Carpenter's Daughter
Tony Rice Cold on the Shoulder
Jack White Cold Mountain Soundtrack
Burl Ives
Doc Watson
Roger McGuinn'
Dolly Parton
Jerry Reid
Dusty Springfield
Trace Adkins
Scott Ainslie
16 Horsepower
Patty Griffin
I am a poor, wayfaring stranger
Wandering oer this world of woe
And theres no sickness, toil or danger
In that bright land to which I go
Im going home to see my father
Im going home, no more to roam
Im only going over Jordan
Im only going 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 men redeemed their vigils keep
Im going home to see my mother
Im going there, no more to roam
Im only going over Jordan
Im only going over home