“Wayfaring Stranger” (also known as “I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger”) is one of the most enduring American spirituals, dating back to the early 19th century. It tells the story of a weary soul travelling through a world of hardship, looking forward to crossing the “River Jordan” to find peace in the next life.
Lyrics
Verse 1
Well I been walkin’ in shadows,
On a cold and weary night,
Lord said, “Son, what you hidin’?”
“You got a fire that wants to shine.”
Yeah you can’t warm no traveler,
With your lamp locked out of sight.
Refrain
Don’t hide your light, child,
Don’t hide your light.
A covered flame won’t guide you,
Through the darkest, lonesome night.
Verse 2
Got a basket full of worry,
And a heart that’s full of doubt,
But a buried spark grows weaker
Till there ain’t no burnin’ left to shout.
When the Master gives you fire,
You better let that fire out.
Refrain
Don’t hide your light, child,
Don’t hide your light.
A covered flame ain’t faithful,
And it sure won’t burn bright.
Verse 3
Storm winds shook my doorway,
And I dropped down to my knees,
He said, “Set that lamp up high, boy,
Lift it where the blind can see.”
’Cause the world don’t need more darkness—
It needs light from you and me.
Final Refrain (extended)
So don’t hide your light, child,
No, don’t hide your light.
Let it shine on every shadow,
Let it rise and kill the night.
’Cause a covered flame is lonely,
But a shining flame is right.
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