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The Journeyman by TomFairnie [Email]

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SONG STATS:
Hits: 923
Comments: 10
Votes: 14
Plays: 178
Last Played: Sep 28, 2008 - 11:22:04 AM
Downloads: 45
Fans: 4
Uploaded: Aug 10, 2006 - 01:28:48 PM
Last Updated: Aug 10, 2006 - 01:28:48 PM
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Description:
This is a multi-layered song, and the listener can take from it what they will

Lyrics:
The Journeyman

I’ve got no dreams and no descendants
I just am what I am
I’ve got no dependants
I’m a solitary man
And though I value my independence
I keep all the friends I can
‘Cause every single road’s a penance
To a journeyman

But Jesus was a working man
You try to do the best you can
And do something good as well
Drink a little wine sometimes
Go out with the guys
Spend some time in jail
Get a kiss and go to jail
Then you see the sky one night
You watch the stars collide
In the west, in the west
In the west, in the west

I’ve had friends that tried to love me
And lovers I’ve barely known
I’ve been familiar with plenty
Nearly been close to some
Oh but I envy you now baby
With your momma to keep you warm
On this cold and rainy highway
I just want my daddy to take me home

But Jesus was a working man
You try to do the best you can
And do something good as well
Drink a little wine sometimes
Go out with the guys
Spend some time in jail
Get a kiss and go to jail
Then you see the sky one night
You watch the stars collide
In the west, in the west
In the west, in the west

That sky is black with thunder
And the thunder’s black as stone
This cathedral roof I’m under
Was built by a journeyman
All the way from over yonder
To the cold west and beyond
But if I fell at this altar
I know he’d come and take me home

But Jesus was a workingman
You try to do the best you can
And do something good as well
Drink a little wine sometimes
Go out with the guys
Spend some time in jail
Get a kiss and go to jail
Then you see the sky one night
You watch the stars collide
In the west, in the west
In the west, in the west
In the west, in the west
In the west, in the west
© The Journeyman words & music by Tom Fairnie August 2002



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Watch the Stars Collide &mdash 08/10/06 - 01:37:26 PM
Sometimes I hear songs that really, really make me want to be a better
songwriter. This is one of those songs. The chorus is profound and I
especially love the opening three lines "But Jesus was a workingman/
you try to do the best you can/and do something good as well."

Simple, gentle, deep, beautifully performed and I genuinely respect the
complexity underlying the simplicity.

[ Reply to This ]
Watch the Stars Collide &mdash 08/10/06 - 01:42:09 PM
thanks for your generous comments! This is the songs I've written that has given me the greatest satisfaction and it's great to share it with people who appreciate it - Tom

[ Reply to This ]
Yes... &mdash 08/10/06 - 06:47:33 PM
Beautifully simple, yet deep. A perfect picture of where we are as
believers- doing the best we can in this world, often walking it out
alone while watching for the sky to open. Faved and downloaded.

[ Reply to This ]
iPod on repeat... &mdash 08/10/06 - 09:43:52 PM
It's obvious a lot of heart and soul went into this one. The emotion in the vocals really sells the message. It's one of those songs I'll want to just listen to the lyrics time and time again and get more out on each play.

Mike T.

[ Reply to This ]
Great &mdash 08/11/06 - 03:20:46 AM
Tom, this is a very beautiful song.
Added to my favorites and downloaded it.

[ Reply to This ]
Great &mdash 08/11/06 - 03:20:50 AM
Tom, this is a very beautiful song.
Added to my favorites and downloaded it.

[ Reply to This ]
Classic tune, great lyrics &mdash 08/11/06 - 08:52:05 AM
Excellent lyrics, perfectly highlighted by the simple and straightforward
arrangement and the wearied and honest performance. Great writing.
The only thing was that I thought the bass line could have used slight
variations, just to give the player a moment of personality once or twice. I
like the backing vocal "oo"s a lot. There a few mouth clicks (or perhaps
fret clicks) which is ok for a live recording and perhaps even for
traditional folk performances like this, but they could have been avoided.
Superb track.

[ Reply to This ]
this song &mdash 08/12/06 - 02:18:44 AM
that left you speechless ...just sit and listen ...
just awesome ..this is wonderfull Tom ..!!

[ Reply to This ]
Unhurried urgency, patient longing &mdash 08/14/06 - 05:30:38 PM
Splendid song. From a deep well. Beautiful, sweeping, poignant
imagery.

[ Reply to This ]
Very nice vocals &mdash 08/16/06 - 08:50:13 AM
I enjoyed this tune. It made me think of something from Lyle Lovett. Great job.

[ Reply to This ]
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