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This is a multi-layered song, and the listener can take from it what they will
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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
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
The Orbiting
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.