The song “Poor Wayfaring Stranger” has a well-earned place in history, being so old that it is uncertain where the song originated. Some people target the Old Irish – Folk of the Appalachian or Catskills variety. Another theory that is considered a strong possibility is that the song originated in spirituals and that the origination was intentionally disguised. However, that idea is only one of many.
One more theory is that Wayfaring Stranger was initially composed in 1816 and is actually the development of the work of the 18th century printer and lay musician, John Wyeth. The song’s 1st identified official release is considered to have been in the tunebook Kentucky Harmony, also referred to as a collection of Psalms.
An additional popular method of playing the song is with the Native American flute, indicating a strong connection to Native American culture as well.
The actual composition itself naturally possesses spiritual overtones, chronicling the present territory the Wayfaring Stranger is traversing while discussing the final destination where there’s no illness and all his or her dearest family members that have passed away are now waiting.
Lyrics note the multiple challenges the individual will face prior to reaching his or her destination, yet there is beauty and salvation waiting when the end is reached. The song ends with the singer noting he or she is just going “home.”
Dolly Parton, Trace Adkins, Tom Fox, Eva Cassidy, Natalie Merchant, Joan Baez, Jamie Woon, Burl Ives and Johnny Cash are among the many musicians who’ve chosen to perform the song.
For Burl Ives, the track was a signature piece and was used as the title of his autobiography. It was additionally the title of Ives’ own radio show on CBS in the 1940’s.
Regardless of the veracity of the stories of its origins, the song continues to hold onto its popularity throughout numerous decades. It appeals to numerous singers and has drawn in many famous voices to convey the song’s message to new audiences throughout the years.
Wayfaring Stranger can be downloaded for free at Tomfox.net
Related Posts:
