The song “Poor Wayfaring Stranger” holds a famous space in history, being so traditional that it is unclear exactly where the song originated. A number of people focus on the Old Irish – People of the Appalachian or Catskills variety. Another explanation that’s considered likely is that the track originated from spirituals and that the source has been purposefully disguised. Even so, that hypothesis is merely among the many.
Another theory is that the song was written in 1816 and is actually the expansion of the work of an 18th century printer and lay musician, John Wyeth. The song’s first known printing is said to have been in the tunebook Kentucky Harmony, also known as a collection of Psalms.
Yet another well-liked method of playing the song is using the Native American flute, showing a powerful link with Native American tradition also.
The song itself of course has religious overtones, chronicling the current land the singer is traversing while discussing the destination, where there is no sickness or danger and all his beloved family members that were lost are there 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, Eva Cassidy, Jamie Woon, Natalie Merchant, Joan Baez, Burl Ives, Tom Fox and Johnny Cash are among the many artists who have chosen to record the piece.
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 roots, the song continues to hold onto its popularity throughout numerous decades. It is of interest to a great number of singers and has drawn in many renowned voices to communicate the song’s message to brand new listeners through the years.
Check out a free music download of the classic Wayfaring Stranger.
