Wayfaring Stranger

Lyrics: Traditional
Music: Traditional

I am a poor wayfaring stranger
Wandering through this world of woe
And there's no sickness, no toil or danger
In that bright land to which I go

Chorus: I'm going there to meet my mother
        She said she'd meet me where I come
        I'm only going over Jordan
        I'm only going over home

I'll soon be free from every trial
My body asleep in the old grave yard
I'll drop the cross of self-denial
And enter on my great reward

Chorus: I'm going there to meet my father
        I'm going there no more to roam
        I'm only going over Jordan
        I'm only going over home

I am a poor wayfaring stranger
Wandering through this world of woe
And there's no sickness, no toil or danger
In that bright land to which I go

Chorus: I'm going there to meet my sister
        She said she'd meet me where I come
        I'm only going over Jordan
        I'm only going over home


Played by Jerry Garcia with David Crosby, Paul Kantner et al during the PERRO sessions in 1971. Some circulating tapes refer to it as a Crosby song called "Over Jordan", but it is in fact a traditional song recorded by a wide range of singers including Burl Ives, Joan Baez, Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, Emmylou Harris etc

The circulating version from the PERRO tapes contains just the first verse and the chorus. 

Versions sung by others often have more verses and a slightly different chorus. Examples include: 
I know dark clouds will gather round me
I know my way is rough and steep
But golden fields lie out before me
Where all the saints their vigils keep

Chorus
I'm going there to meet my [father/mother/brother sister etc]
I'm going there no more to roam
I'm just a-going over Jordan
I'm only going over home

I want to wear a crown of glory
When I get home to that bright land
I want to shout Salvation's story
In concert with that blood-washed band

Variant on chorus
I'm going there to see my Saviour
To sing His praise for evermore
I'm just-a going over Jordan
I'm only going over home

I'll soon be free from earthly trials
This body rests in the orchard's yard
I'll drop this cross of self-denial
And go singing home to God