Who's Online
Invisible Members: 11 Visitors: 65
Past 7 Days
Song Uploads: 150 Song Votes: 506 Song Comments: 2461 Forum Posts: 618 New Members: 65 Participation Points: 8802.95
|

Get Flash to see this player.
Having playback trouble, try the Quicktime player:
Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial

|
|
|
|
|
Keywords:
Saviour (4), Jordan (2), stranger (4), home (43), trials (1), God (186), mother (35), father (36), salvation (6), blues (339), folk-rock (8)
|
|
Description:
Here is the link for Mike's version of this old favorite: http://www.macjams.com/song/25291
Mike (Amagi) asked me to collab with him on this song about 3(?) months ago. Well, life being all too busy, it wasn't until a few weeks ago that I gave it some real time. As Mike stated on his song page, things didn't work out for an official collab. Yet, I very much consider this version of "Poor Wayfaring Stranger" to be a collaboration with him. He came up with the chordal arrangement for this song. Due to some things that didn't jive for me on his original demo, I eventually laid down my own acoustic rhythm track. Well, as Craig (snowdragon) will tell you, you never know the direction this lad is bound to take off in since I am not sure half the time myself. Suffice to say, there are two versions of this soulful song.
The lyrics on this version vary somewhat from Mike's version, as there have been a number of renditions of this song over the years. I hope you enjoy it.
Mike, thanks for inviting me in on this. Singing these words really grabbed my heart and soul, more than you know.
All instruments (except drums) and vocal by Jack Miller 2006.
Lyrics:
I am a poor wayfaring stranger
Travelling through this world of woe
There's no sickness, no toil nor danger
In that bright land to which I go
Chorus:
Yes I'm going over Jordan
Just going, no more to roam
Only going over Jordan
Just going to my home
I know dark clouds will gather round me
I know my way is rough and steep
But golden fields lie out before me
Where all the saints their vigils keep
Chorus:
I'm going there to meet my father
I'm going there no more to roam
I'm just going over the river Jordan
I'm going over to my home
I want to wear a crown of glory
When I get home to that bright land
I want to shout Salvation's story
In concert with that blood-washed band
Chorus:
I'm going home to meet my mother
I'm going there no more to roam
I'm just going over the river Jordan
I'm going over, I'm going home
I'll soon be free from earthly trials
This body rests in the orchard's yard
I'll drop this cross of self-denial
And go singing home to my God
Chorus:
I'm going there to see my Saviour
To sing His praise for evermore
I'm just-a going over Jordan
I'm going over to my home
I'm a just a wayfaring stranger
Travelling through this world of woe
There's no sickness, no toil no danger
In that bright land to which I go
Traditional Spiritual
Hardware:
iBook G3 800mhz, MobilePre M-Audio, Applause acoustic guitar, Alesis X guitar, Yamaha PSR 293 keyboard, SM57 mic.
Software:
GarageBand
|
This is one of my favorite songs... &mdash 10/18/06 - 08:56:40 PM
This has got to be one of the best bits of folk poetry, one of the best
expressions of pure yearning, well, ever...
The more I hear you sing, Jack, the more I love your voice... You give it
a lot of you, here....
If I was going to put in a crit, I would suggest using the lead guitar to
frame your voice, playing just before or after, just between, each vocal
phrase, so there's nothing competing with the vocal...
Nice playing...
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Yes, beautiful poetry... &mdash 10/18/06 - 09:21:48 PM
The words in this song really captured me when I sang them for the first time.
It is one of the few times I really felt like it was OK for "me" to be the voice
that was singing. So I am glad you like what I am offering up. I agree
completely with your little critique. I laid down that riffing guitar track before
I sang the vocal track. As time went on and I was putting all the elements
together for this song, I had the thought to scrap the riffing and do some
quitar phrasing to compliment the singing. Ahhh... but the time factor to do
that and... and... well, OK, I admit it... half the time I don't really know what I
am doing. No road map. So I took the original guit. part (with some redo's at
the end) and tried my best to interweave it with the vocals.
As always you have something of real value to say that is helpful... thanks.
---
Dadai
... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
Completey beautiful &mdash 10/19/06 - 12:38:37 AM
Completey beautiful! I want to second everyting Ejh says. Your voice is
sheer joy to hear, it brings such an unique depth and engagement (telling
this once again, since in the past you've been self-critical about it, (but
that is past)). I also feel like Ejh concerning lead guitar (by the way I
recognize your working process so well, I get tanlged up in too many
tracks when doing add ons and it takes time, time and time to get it
set) ... but ... what about re-recoring the whole lead track from scratch?
Hehe, easy for me to say whe don't have to worry about the time factor,
but (just in case you wonder) I think this is such a wonderful, meaningful
and significant song that it might be worth it. [ Reply to This ]
Well.... the consensus is building &mdash 10/19/06 - 09:20:42 AM
Re-record the the lede guitar... take out the trash... pick up my clothes... All
right! I guess time will have to bend and I will have to revisit the lede riff
thing. It sure would be easier if these suggestions would somehow come to
me in the beginning of my song making, maze-taking process : )
Curry... I am just glad you enjoyed this. That, for me it is a delight.
---
Dadai
... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
This sound.. &mdash 10/19/06 - 01:13:31 AM
...is very present (presence in headphones) and produced well. The mix is
easy on the ears and comfortable to hear. The vocal has a "soft" tone to
it, even when you get louder, and might be helped with back up vocals of
some kind. I am a fan of harmony and back up vocals obviously, so I am
a little biased! As for content, it's really good and flows well. I think
many connect with songs like these, I'll sure be happier there than in this
world, but while we're here we can enjoy the music! :) [ Reply to This ]
Production... &mdash 10/19/06 - 10:27:34 AM
It's nice to hear your comments on the production side of this song. That area is not usually my strong suit, to say the least. I did think this mix came out pretty good. By the way, were you offering some backup harmonies, my friend. If so, drop me a line.
Yes, much difficulties and trials in this world. What a mystery... that in the midst of that there is yet a present and real joy, a foretaste of that bright land to which we go. Thanks js.
---
Dadai
... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
the session !! &mdash 10/19/06 - 02:27:55 AM
as first listen to the intro ..the guitar lick
catch you and the taste the drums gives you makes
it more modernate .your singin echoin the 70s rock
folk ballads classics ..and I loved it with the
guitar licks along with it ..it makes a shade
and yes .........there s a joy of playin bitter
lead ...sheesh ..you knwo this is my style anyway
perfect my friend ...as always ..well done !! [ Reply to This ]
Well cast one vote for... &mdash 10/19/06 - 12:59:56 PM
playing the lede licks throughout the whole song. Thanks Feter. And yeah, I am not surprised you like that take. It is always good to have you drop in for a listen and a comment. Stay safe and well...
---
Dadai
... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
Well done Jack! &mdash 10/19/06 - 03:49:11 AM
I love what you did with this bro. The guitar playing sounds so spiritual
and your vox is in top form. Abundant kudos!
By the way, the correct address for my version is now:
http://www.macjams.com/song/25291
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks and kudos... &mdash 10/19/06 - 03:35:40 PM
to you Mike. You started this for me by pushing that boulder (me) up the hill. I really enjoyed this experience. We must definitely hook up for a "real" collaboration. Some wonderful words getting sung on these two versions...
---
Dadai
... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
Very neat &mdash 10/19/06 - 07:05:02 AM
I just went and listened to Amagi's version, and also an older one by Ziti
and Mystified That I had in my favs. Cool to see how different each of
these takes is. I wonder what the original writer would think! [ Reply to This ]
The original composer... &mdash 10/19/06 - 03:41:12 PM
I was wondering who wrote this. It seems a shame we don't know. At least I don't. I'd love to know the name. It is a beautiful song.
I forgot about Ziti and Mysti's version of this. Now I need to go and check that out.
VP, thanks for stopping in and giving this a listen..
---
Dadai
... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
Oh, yeah, Jack &mdash 10/19/06 - 09:10:46 AM
Great rendition. You sing with such feeling, it makes my spirit soar.
Real good guitar work and you mixed it very nicely. (I'm no techie, but
my ears sure like it). :-) [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Roxy... &mdash 10/19/06 - 05:53:53 PM
It is all just a lot of fun and more. Making music and at the same time learning better how to do it. GBand... what a country! Mike led the way, I only followed.
God bless...
---
Dadai
... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
I love this song &mdash 10/19/06 - 05:20:20 PM
One of the first songs I taught myself on the guitar a long, long time ago. Maybe not right! This a great version, Thanks! Your vox really works well with the lyric lines - Harold [ Reply to This ]
Thanks HL from Texas... &mdash 10/19/06 - 10:46:40 PM
this is a great old song... and I loved singing it. Almost impossible to not get
into these lyrics... cheers, mate.
---
Dadai
... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
This is the third &mdash 10/19/06 - 05:43:11 PM
Version I have listened to tonight. This is very good, I am now a solid fan of this song. [ Reply to This ]
Great song to be &mdash 10/19/06 - 10:49:05 PM
a fan of... It is something that there at least three versions of this on
MacJams. Thanks for listening and dropping a comment.
---
Dadai
... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
two for the price of one &mdash 10/19/06 - 07:57:01 PM
loved your version and mikes take equally. sure they're different in
approach and style. but artistic intepritation is the true spirit as a
musician. but now you guys have messed with my mind. after hearing
both back to back, i'm hearing a third version in my head, a combination
of both styles. darn you two!
Vic [ Reply to This ]
Well Vic... &mdash 10/19/06 - 10:51:17 PM
There is nothing left, then, except for you to record that third version that
you are hearing in your head. I'll be ready to listen when you post it...
cheers.
---
Dadai
... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
wayfarring stranger &mdash 10/19/06 - 08:22:17 PM
Well this is really really good. Folk, poetry, religion...great 3 way combo bro! the guitar riffs are perfect...really sets the tone here. I love religious songs that sound more like todays music, than the contempory sounds of yester year...great job man!!! [ Reply to This ]
Hey there Matty... &mdash 10/19/06 - 10:54:14 PM
Welcome again to MJ. Nice of you to listen and comment. And I appreciate
the gracious words. It seems making music is really mainly about generating
something enjoyable for the listener... glad this worked for you.
---
Dadai
... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
Beautiful! &mdash 10/19/06 - 09:18:40 PM
...So nicely done!
This is really the 'perfect' track for you, Jack.
Thank you very much for sharing this :) [ Reply to This ]
The gal knows... &mdash 10/19/06 - 10:27:26 PM
...what she's talkin' about Jack. I TOLD you your vox shines on this didn't I? [ Reply to This ]
Yes you did... &mdash 10/19/06 - 11:03:56 PM
didn't you?!... : )
Isn't this just a bunch of fun? Take care brother.
---
Dadai
... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
Well, I guess... &mdash 10/19/06 - 11:01:40 PM
I'll have to accept your comments... you being the singer that you are and
all... I really do appreciated you giving this a listen and leaving your
thoughts.
Best wishes...
---
Dadai
... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
I love this version, too. &mdash 10/20/06 - 12:42:57 AM
I just realized, again, what gifts GarageBand and MacJams are. i can't imagine sharing all of these great versions of this song any other way. And, speaking of gifts, you have a gift of bringing a real feeling of yearning to those vocals - really brought a longing to my own heart. [ Reply to This ]
Yes indeed... &mdash 10/20/06 - 10:59:21 AM
GBand and MJams are two incredible interwoven instruments in the hands of amateurs like us. There is so much music like this, and more, that without those 2 things wouldn't even be conceivable.
Regarding my vocals, I had a lot of feeling when I sang these words. They speak to my heart, and I found myself singing from my heart as a result. I am glad you caught some of that.
Thanks...
---
Dadai
... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
Driven &mdash 10/20/06 - 11:34:19 AM
This is a determined piece!
It moves in a powerful direction.
Well done! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks D Uncle... &mdash 10/20/06 - 12:19:30 PM
As I sang this I did find myself "getting into it" more. Almost as if the yearning to enter that bright land was increasing as I sang... powerful theme throughout the lyrics. It seemed natural to flow with that in the final lede guitar part.
I appreciate you mentioning this... cheers.
---
Dadai
... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
AHHHH.... &mdash 10/20/06 - 01:13:00 PM
...I see your Ratings continue to climb! That's as it should be. Just listened for
the sixth time. I love this! [ Reply to This ]
nice performance &mdash 10/20/06 - 03:34:21 PM
Your singing performance here is very good, enjoyable voice. I don't
think I like the two separately-played acoustic guitars, each panned far
R&L, the temporal and spatial alternation of the strumming was a little
disorienting in headphones. I think if you simply moved those two tracks
closer to center it might help. The electric guitar was a nice touch in the
background, and didn't seem to interfere with your vox much to me. The
drums sometimes spilled over a little. But I agree that this is a very
moving piece of music and lyrics... and it shows that your heart was in
this performance!
ttfn,
Drakonis [ Reply to This ]
the river jordan &mdash 10/24/06 - 08:32:14 PM
some day Gods chosen people will cross it into new jerusalem. Hes just
waiting out time for you me and everybody thats why the world still goes
on. You see what this song made me do it made me write that . great
song, guitar everything if I was Siskle and Ebert I would give it 2 thumbs
up. [ Reply to This ]
incredible words &mdash 10/24/06 - 08:49:41 PM
incredible words &mdash 10/24/06 - 08:49:44 PM
Bill... &mdash 11/26/06 - 08:38:01 PM
You are one of the best guitarists and certainly one of the finest individuals on the internet and, I'd might venture, in California...
Thanks.
---
Dadai
... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
folkloric &mdash 10/29/06 - 10:05:04 PM
Thanks for the nice comments on my rumba, I love this song and feel we walk in a similar aestic with these two songs, a sort of lone wandering through time in search of the divine. I have a friend from Jordan, if ever there were answers to the eternal mystery, they are there. [ Reply to This ]
Yes, Ian... &mdash 11/27/06 - 09:38:53 PM
"in search of the divine..." That is man's quest, indeed what he was created for. For only the Divine truly satisfies the soul. And often through song our hearts are most engaged in that pursuit. Saint Augustine said, "To sing once is to pray twice." I am thankful for song and music... an echo of our Creator.
And thank you for listening and leaving your thoughts.
---
Dadai
... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
Very nice Jack &mdash 11/03/06 - 09:05:13 AM
Ed & Cori said what I would have, had I been paying more attention :)
And take out the damn trash, willya? [ Reply to This ]
Frankly.... &mdash 11/26/06 - 08:35:26 PM
I don't feel like it. Other than that... : )
---
Dadai
... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
Belated comment &mdash 11/25/06 - 09:41:05 AM
Jack, this is a cool version. Your vocals are spot on. I liked the way that you spread the mix with the guitars. The drums sound so real... did you play them? High scores and fav'd.
John [ Reply to This ]
Thanks TF.... &mdash 11/25/06 - 02:44:48 PM
John... I appreciate the comments. This song does not cease to inspire, eh? The drums are loops and the cymbals are keyboard midi. Glad you liked the vox and guitar. It felt good when I finished it, so it is nice to hear some compliments coming from a good musician like you.
Best to you and your family as the Christmas seasons draws nigh...
---
Dadai
... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
Good track &mdash 12/04/06 - 01:48:44 PM
Very nice melody. I like your voice and the guitar playing, this piece is very well done and pleasant to listen to. Bravo !
Marc [ Reply to This ]
And thank you... &mdash 12/08/06 - 02:46:00 PM
Marc. This song came together decently. And I am gratified that you and many others have enjoyed it. Merci!
---
Dadai
... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
wow! &mdash 12/07/06 - 10:29:52 PM
So I don't even know where to start - this track is amazing. The vocal work is fantastic and the guitar playing is top notch! Very soulful groove. No pun intended! :) Brilliant effort! [ Reply to This ]
thoughts from the bull... &mdash 01/19/07 - 12:38:52 AM
jeez louise, what everyone else has said!
this is such a pure and wonderful piece. i discovered it in the 2006 MacJams Retrospective collection and understand why you offered it up. this is classic music and the kind of piece that grabs your attention as soon as it begins.
a great find and one i'll enjoy for many moons to come! thank you! [ Reply to This ]
Great song &mdash 06/12/07 - 04:56:30 PM
and a great version - Excellent vocals and impressive guitar work make this a real find. Good production too!
Peter [ Reply to This ]
|
|
Friends
iLounge - All things iPod, iTunes and beyond
|
Dish Network - the dish
network limited time bonus offers - get all three
|
|
expressions of pure yearning, well, ever...
The more I hear you sing, Jack, the more I love your voice... You give it
a lot of you, here....
If I was going to put in a crit, I would suggest using the lead guitar to
frame your voice, playing just before or after, just between, each vocal
phrase, so there's nothing competing with the vocal...
Nice playing...
Ed
[ Reply to This ]