Wayfaring Wiccan
Adaptation by Brenda Sutton
© 1996

I've always loved the tune to Wayfaring Stranger, but I found the words don't fly easily from my pagan soul, so I reworked it with images that ring in my heart.  This song has become a standard, sung at too many funerals.

Am - Em, Am - / Dm - E - / Am E Am  - / F G Am -/
F G C - / F G Am E / Am E Am - / G F Am / 

I am a poor wayfaring stranger
A travelin' through this world of woe,
And there's no sickness and no danger
In that bright world to which I go.
I'm going there to meet my father,
I'm going to my Summer Home.
I'm only pausing on this journey.
I'll stay awhile and then I'll go.

I know dark clouds have gathered 'round me.
I know my way is rough and steep,
But peaceful field lie just beyond me
Where loving friends my path watch keep.
I'm going there to meet my mother;
She said she'd meet me when I come.
I'm only going 'cross a river,
I'm only going over home.

I want to drink a cup of pleasure
I want to sit close by the fire.
I want to think on my life's treasure.
I want to stay here for a while.
I'll bide my time through Autumn hours.
I'll snuggle down while the cold wind sings,
Then I'll be back with the blooming flowers,
I'll come on 'round about the spring

Last refrain:
I'm going there to meet my family.
I'm going to my Summer Home.
I'm only pausing on my journey.
I'll stay a while, and then I'll go.
I'll stay a while, and then I'll go.
I'll stay a while, and then I'll go.