[home]                     [song index]                         [about miriam]

FARTHER ALONG

(Southern gospel humn; learned at Teton Tea Parties during the 1960s)

(music to go here)

Tempted and tried, we're oft made to wonder
Why it should be thus, all the day long
While there are others living about us
Never molested, though in the wrong.
    Farther along we'll know about it,
    Farther along we'll understand why,
    Cheer up, my brothers, live in the sunshine,
    We'll understand it all bye and bye.

When death has come and taken our loved ones,
Leaving our homes so lonely and drear,
Then do we wonder why others prosper,
Living as sinners year after year.
    Farther along we'll know about it...

Often I wonder why I must journey
Over a road so rugged and steep,
While there are others living in comfort,
While with the lost I labor and weep.
    Farther along we'll know about it...

Faithful till death, saith our loved Master,
Only a while to labor and wait,
All of our toils will soon be forgotten,
When we sweep through the beautiful gate.
    Farther along we'll know about it...

Soon with the Lord, our wonderful Saviour,
We'll be at home beyond the blue sky,
There we shall meet the dear ones a-waiting,
We'll understand it all bye and bye.
    Farther along we'll know about it...

(from miriam berg's folksong collection)