Wayfaring Stranger (Trad.)

from Jealous Of The Moon by Scott Ainslie

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about

This reimagining of this track came to me in 1993, at around 3:00 a.m., in an empty dormitory for actors at the Barter Theater in Abingdon VA. It is set in an E5 tuning (E-B-E-E-B-E) and has parallel harmonies in it, not unlike some African vocal arrangements. I am proud of the arrangement, which I find immensely better suited to its themes than the usual, bouncing, country versions. Blues, after all, is different!

lyrics

Wayfaring Stranger (traditional)

I am a poor wayfaring stranger travelin’ through this world alone.
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 only goin’ over Jordan. I’m only goin’ over home.

I know dark clouds will gather ’round me. I know my way is rough and steep.
But beautiful fields lie just beyond me, where souls redeemed their vigils keep.
And I’m going there to see my father. I’m going there no more to roam.
I’m only goin’ over Jordan. I’m only goin’ over home.

I want to wear that crown of Glory, when I get there to that bright land.
I want to shout down Satan’s story in concert with the blood-washed band.
I’m going there to see my brothers; they said they’d meet me when I come.
I’m only goin’ over Jordan. I’m only goin’ over home.

credits

from Jealous Of The Moon, track released September 22, 1995
Scott Ainslie, solo National Resophonic Guitar & Voice

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Scott Ainslie Brattleboro, Vermont

A long history with older black blues and gospel players in the mid-South marks Ainslie's work deeply. He transcribed all of Robert Johnson's recorded songs for "Robert Johnson/At The Crossroads" (Hal Leonard, 1992) and has a teaching DVD on Johnson's music. A fine songwriter with a social conscience and a belief in the power of music to move and inspire, Ainslie's voice is a great force for good! ... more

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