“Poor wayfaring stranger” are a few of the beginning words of a folk song, probably written in the early 1800s, by an unknown soul. The writer describes himself as a stranger, who has traversed through a world of woe. We still traverse the same world today.

Poor Wayfaring Stranger (in part)

I’m just a poor wayfaring stranger

A traveler through this world of woe

But there’s no sickness, toil nor danger

In that fair land to which I go

I’m going there to see my mother

I’m going there no more to roam

I am just going over Jordan

I am just going over home

It is no surprise that even today many artists include this tune on their song-list albeit CDs, MP3 player, on stage or TV and radio. A few of my favorite artists’ interpretations include: Johnny Cash, Trace Adkins and Alison Krauss however there is a newer artist, Rhiannon Giddens, who will send chills down the spin with her performance.

The Poor Wayfaring Stranger song has been categorized as Gospel, Bluegrass, American Folk, Spiritual and my favorite, Gothic Country. Books have been written with the same title as well as poems and even stage plays, such is the mystique. The powerful, yet simply written words, grasp one’s attention bringing thoughts about a world to come.

In the early 1800s, the words of a song were more than inspiration. The daily lives of those who lived the pioneer life were treacherous. Deaths came often for all ages and those who were left behind felt deeply and sought answers. What would tomorrow bring and where were they going?

It is believed Poor Wayfaring Stranger was written deep within the Appalachian Mountains by a lonesome soul who grieved. His lost was real and at the same time; the next day to come would again bring the same plight. The words of the song brought the hope of “that fair land.”

In our world of the 21st Century, survival does not constitute fighting a bear or searching for water, not even planting a crop. Our survival intertwines both the shameful behaviors demonstrated by politics and politicians as well as the wickedness of crime. These acts are exposed quickly by the internet, TV news or through radical views, broadcasted both nationwide and worldwide. Such actions will encourage copycat behavior which is most often attributed by the influence of the media.

Daniel 12: 4 NIV

The angel tells Daniel, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there [to and fro] to increase knowledge

Yes, the angel said, “The end of time, when many will go to and fro and knowledge is increased.” I truly believe that no one knows the end but the Lord, however at the same time; we must know where we are going. We are all wayfaring strangers in this world of woe.

As for me:

I am just going over Jordan

I am just going over home

Dedicated to my son, Kelly McKee, who passed away August 7, 2018, and his precious wife, Kelly McKee, my daughter in law, who passed September 13, 2023. They have gone to that fair land we long to see. I love you both so much and I know you are together now That is my only comfort. I will see you again, my children.

Just going over Jordan.

Anne McKee is a Mississippi historian, writer and storyteller.