“Your Long Journey”

Description

Singer tells loved one that they must now part; the singer is torn with grief, but they will eventually "walk hand in hand/As one in heaven in the family of God." Cho: "Oh my darling, my darling/My heart breaks as you take your long journey"

Long description

Singer tells loved one that although God has given them years of happiness together, they must now part; as the angels come, the singer is torn with grief, anticipating the coming years without him/her, but they will eventually "walk hand in hand/As one in heaven in the family of God". Chorus: "Oh my darling, my darling/My heart breaks as you take your long journey"

Notes

Although this song is not traditional, and not -- quite -- a ballad, I include it here because of its enduring popularity in the folk revival, which may indicate that it is entering a new oral tradition. - PJS

Recordings

• Doc & Rosa Lee Watson, "Your Long Journey" (on Watson01)