Wayfaring Stranger Live | Made of Ale Sessions | The Longest Johns

Welcome to the fifth of our live recording sessions called the “Made of Ale” sessions (pun intended). We recorded at “The Forge” in Bristol.
Wayfaring stranger is a beautiful and bittersweet traditional song that was a joy to add to our repertoire.
Our team for these recordings was Paul Worthington (producer, engineer), Sam Darley and Lucy Humphris (Camera operators) and Abbie Darley (Director, Camera Operator, Editor)
Also performing in many of these recordings are Rich Laws (Drums), Antonio Chiacchia (Double Bass) and Alex Garden (Fiddle)
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The Longest Johns
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[@mattkusch3439]

This song will always bring me to tears, especially because it gives me hope. My son was born with a serious heart defect during 2020. I started listening to you guys with my wife with him in the womb, and he would always calm down when he heard your voices. So this song, when he heard it being 2 now, he had this big smile on his face. Thank you guys so much!

[@thelongestjohns]

Thank you so much, and many blessings to you

[@StarboyXL9]

Based

[@recurvess9569]

Praying for healing and strength for your little boy's heart. God bless you and your family

[@JohnDoe-lx3dt]

Damn onions in here lol, really hope your boys doing well and the johns are still making him smile away

[@BobBrawlhalla]

Glad to see Dave's stick got some upgrades for this one, really moving up in the world!

[@thelongestjohns]

The mighty stick of power

[@bestsynth4102]

Hello! Chinese guy here. I often translate music into mental images, or feelings. And there is always a special place in my mental playlist for sea shanties. Hats off to you, good sirs! Every time I listen to "Wayfaring Stranger" (even though I am not religious), I envision a ragtag band of exiles, returning home from years in space to liberate their people from a corrupt, greedy administration. It's slow, a bit dramatic and very very trailer-esque. Again, hats off to you, good sirs! I've enjoyed your songs for quite a while now (probably... since 2020?), and I can't wait to see what comes next! Chinese guy out. Edit: Holy mackerel, that S T I C K

[@lucasgamezz140]

Well crap now I wish I could make a movie because this sounds awesome

[@UrsahSolar]

There's a version of the second lyric that goes, "I'm going there to meet my father, promised to greet me when I come, I'm just going over Jordan, I'm just going over home." It kinda fits with the whole returning exile vibe.

[@kellyturner920]

"When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home.” -Tecumseh

[@SergeantBeckett]

since these started I have been praying that they did wayfaring stranger. thank you god and thank you TLJ for this. Im super hyped and very much looking forward to it!!!!

[@kylelindberg7771]

Indeed, this is a great song for prayin' folk!

[@Anonymous20789]

great for non-praying folk also

[@stereodreamer23]

Although I really love your traditional maritime music and shanties, I'm thrilled that you are exploring American Traditional and Folk Music. We have a rich history of Folk Music here in the States, and it is an honor to hear you take up these songs and perform them in your own inimitable way. Thank you so much for this...

[@Denley1526]

This has to be one of my favourites. Love JD's voice in this & the whole song sounds amazing. So glad Dave now has a proper stick instrument to play. Keep warching it on repeat & will never tire of it.

[@thelongestjohns]

We’ll get the stick back before long (hopefully). Glad you liked it :)

[@heypeopleitsmatt]

The return of the stick WITH BELLLSSSS YAY

[@thewiseturtle]

Or washers?

[@CapriUni]

I was just thinking: "Dave's Stampy, Jingly, Rattly Thing!" It got back home!

[@thelongestjohns]

It’s a beautiful thing. We’ll recover it from Manchester eventually

[@niroshanaperera7330]

Lyrics (For myself) I am a poor wayfaring stranger Traveling through this world of woe There is no sickness, toil or danger In that fair land to which I go I'm goin' home to see my mother I'm goin' home, no more to roam I'm just goin' over Jordan I'm just goin' over home I know dark clouds will hover on me I know my path is rough and steep But golden fields lie out before me Where weary eyes no more shall weep I'm goin' home to see my father I'm goin' home, no more to roam I'm just goin' over Jordan I'm just goin' over home I'll soon be free from every trial This form shall rest beneath the sun I'll drop the cross of self-denial And enter in that home with God I'm goin' home to meet my Savior I'm goin' home, no more to roam I'm just goin' over Jordan I'm just goin' over home I'm goin' home to meet my Savior I'm goin' home, no more to roam I'm just goin' over Jordan I'm just goin' over home

[@MrDrewsterUK]

This rapidly became my favourite TLJ track upon the release of Smoke & Oakum, and by the gods you guys have all absolutely smashed this! 10/10!

[@thelongestjohns]

Wonderful to hear, thank you

[@thomasfaucher2756]

One thing I absolutely love about this amazingly talented group is how effortless they look at doing things that aren't. They sound the same whether live or produced and that, to me is a huge display of skills. This production of an already wonderful song just highlights all of their voices so well and adds a richness that I just enjoy immensely. Well done ❤❤❤❤

[@thelongestjohns]

Thank you so much!

[@Thepigofthesea]

THE STICK IS BACK!

[@tonymcdonald2932]

I am not a man if faith, but this song hits hard! Good on you guys for doing this song justice!

[@AviationJeremy]

I thought I loved Johnny Cash's rendition, but you guys hit it out of the park.

[@Cry_Havoc]

I've been playing this song on repeat since I lost my father, and this is so adequate I can barely believe it.

[@thelongestjohns]

So sorry for your loss, glad you’ve been enjoying the song

[@jacqf3583]

I wish I could like it more than once.

[@janicethompson370]

I have loved this old song since childhood, but I've never heard it performed in such a unique way. The harmonies and instruments used made it sound new again. Thank you for such a beautiful rendition!

[@kathleensnow9836]

Alex's fiddle adds so much to this rendition - totally love it and the entire production! Thanks!

[@andywebb4861]

Praise God for that fair land to which I go.

[@ConcordiaJedi]

I swear, it's stuff like this that makes me want to get friends together and just sing.

[@thelongestjohns]

Do it!

[@stgcjc7902]

Holy SHIT guys.... WOW This was Heavy, I mean that I'd expect to hear this in the soundtrack in a Space western, Something like Firefly, or the game Rebel Galaxy, or piping through my helmet in Hardspace: Shipbreakers. I've liked this song since running across it in the Film 1917. But DAMN, nobody's done it like you guys, that was a Journey right there in that song. VERY well done.

[@Mark_Bickerton]

Wow what a beautiful song.... flu and a few beers... this just carries you away to another place! I'd be happy if this was my reception when I die!

[@harmvaneijken2908]

This is why i became a fan!

[@thelongestjohns]

Many thanks! And welcome :)

[@harmvaneijken2908]

@@thelongestjohns no thanks to you! For making my life just a tiny bit better with this music of yours. This song now is going in my souncheck playlist aswell!

[@benrafferty3084]

robbie is a rockstar with that tele, it just fits him

[@HumbleCrow27]

Not going to lie I normally really dislike this song but your version is amazing. Good work.

[@JoshConder]

Best version of this song. Change my mind.

[@LibraryKnight]

If y'all eventually release a CD of the Made of Ale sessions, I'll definitely pick it up - these are great!

[@zombossgaming810]

I love your all's music sooo much especially rolling along it makes me happy that ur doing (what I call a remake )of old songs that are better than the past 1s love u all from the us ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@thelongestjohns]

Many thanks :)

[@chrisjaccino7130]

This needs more views it is a crime

[@Jack_Wood]

The most adequate of songs.

[@mr.swimmyfish]

I literally had a dream last night where the only thing I remember was this song being sung, and now this video shows up 😳

[@thelongestjohns]

Hooray! Hope it was as good as the dream

[@mr.swimmyfish]

@@thelongestjohns it was much better than the dream

[@MandibleBones]

Extremely adequate performance this October 10th.

[@thelongestjohns]

Thank you!!

[@mrs.allczech9185]

I've been waiting for you to cover this song for so long and you're totally KILLIN' IT. Probably the best cover of this song I've heard. Big fan of yours

[@Son-of-Thucydides]

Good grief, what an incredible performance and arrangement. Unbelievably inspired. Excellent. Just superb.

[@lacyhart2043]

Man god is love thank you

[@theperson23]

wooooooooooooooooooooooooo my favorite!

[@thelongestjohns]

Wonderful to hear, thank you

[@MEGQuilts]

We sang a slightly different version of this in high school choir- much more religious in theme. Learned a little about its origins and how it was changed over the years: German hymn to slave spiritual to Libby Prison in the Civil War to the women's Methodist convocation in the early 1920's (the version we sang). I think I like your version best of all, though. The backing music reminds me of 'We All Lift Together,' fittingly enough.

[@erictennison4673]

I’ve got a friend who lost some loved ones recently. But we’ve been really enjoying playlists of your shanty music . This song in particular really hit home for him. Beyond all belief, thank you.

[@nickg4422]

Nice! Super excited to see the tour is coming back to the U.S.! Just got my tickets for November.

[@grahamedarley5106]

Love, love, love this one, very adequate

[@thelongestjohns]

Many thanks :)

[@fivebrosstopmos]

I absolutely love this song! The slow dragging chains, the weary, yet hopeful tune... as a Christian it's something special.

[@paulamarie67]

Literal chills from this. This is definitely my favorite version of the song. You can hear all the different harmonies so clearly! I'll have this on repeat for the next few days. Another job well done!!

[@skipdiner9972]

this is one of my favorite songs you guys have done, had to fight back tears listening to it at work

[@jamm1ed0dger9]

one of my favourite songs of yours, used to have this sung to me as a kid

[@drih_hawkeye]

I loved every single Made of Ale session so far. But this one... this one got me bawling for some reason. It felt so intense, so emotional, and when the fiddle first joined in, it just hit me like a punch. This might as well be my favorite version of this song ever. You guys are amazing.

[@fredrickmerithew]

Marvelous cover, Bravo!

[@arandomstartreknerd7261]

The day after my boyfriend and I broke up, I woke up with this song playing in my head. My boyfriend had shown it to me months before. In the next few weeks after that, I found myself singing it randomly. It was kind of comforting for some reason. I guess it reminded me that there's better things to come.

[@ArmoMan87]

Everytime i watch you all play, makes me want to watch movie "Fisherman's Friends"

[@godhelpme8902]

All I can say my friends, is goose bumps. Thank you.

[@lesliejones5526]

I'm in love with this song

[@rexel501]

Each and every one of you absolutely nailed this. Can’t stop watching. Extra shout out to that sublime fiddle though. Chefs kiss.

[@cellistinak2161]

Love the abundance of strings! And your voices 😍

[@theodoretoke]

epic!!!!

[@kornfreak78]

This is my favorite track off your Smoke & Oakum album. It also happens to be one of the songs I hope someone plays for me at my funeral one day. I think it's a perfect send off... I lost my Mom a few years back and that line "I'm going home to see my Mother" REALLY gets to me... I miss her and I hope one day I get to see her again.

[@TheBIGRUP]

Perfect! Thank you guys! Greetings from Italy 🙏

[@Magicaid0]

I had to sing the this song solo for my school's solo and ensemble, and I must say, beautifully done.

[@thelonelyirishman1916]

I saw these guys do this song in Evanston, I remember asking to lift JD. Some day I might have banjo tabs for this song

[@thelongestjohns]

I remember! Still haunts my dreams ;)

[@starboardlarboard]

Fanstastic!

Another powerfull song from you guys

[@Beena2020]

Such a great song. You guys nailed it.👍

[@widgren87]

Great take on this song 🙂 Still hoping to one day hear these guys do a song, or more, with David Coffin. That I think would be great.

[@thelonelyirishman1916]

I wanna see a massive collaboration between TLJ, Dropkick Murphy’s, Alestorm, and Bears Den

[@widgren87]

@@thelonelyirishman1916 That would be something indeed...

[@thelongestjohns]

Very much hoping to get the chance to sing together soon

[@widgren87]

@@thelongestjohns Hope is good ;-)

[@philgroves7694]

Well done! Thanks!!

[@TheMugbearer]

This song gives me chills

[@kobayashi.official]

I've heard many different versions of this song and they're all wonderful in their own ways, but this one just hits the spot! The key you chose to set it in, the harmonies, the emphasis at just the right moments.... it's magical and extremely moving! Many thanks, my Johns, for making the picking of a favorite TLJ song absolutely impossible!

[@anthonythefirst9451]

This was absolutely fantastic!! I love these made of ale sessions, they really make my day!

[@GeneralE1000.]

Fantastic!

[@StartledOctopus]

I honestly think this would make a great theme to some Disney+ Star Wars series, about a stranded person going through trials of the psyche to get them home...

[@TokyoBlue587]

I first heard this song in the film Cold Mountain, sung by Jack White. I love it and I love your version. ❤

[@johannailes]

Wow, so happy you did this. Love the violin too. Going to be on repeat

[@thelongestjohns]

Thanks so much, I do too! :)

[@orionlogan8114]

Thank you bruvs, bruvets and nonbinary brus Deeply beautiful and hauntingly hopeful

[@peterlange4473]

Oh yes! Love this song! Thx guys for your great version!

[@fulgur9354]

I love this song, the vibes it transmits to me

[@thelongestjohns]

Thanks so much, I’ve been loving getting to play it together

[@ryuinz]

Heard this song for the first time at your DC show, absolutely blew me away. So glad to see it as one of the Made of Ale session songs!

[@InchonDM]

So I've loved every sound you've had, but right at the start of the second verse this one hit a very specific note for me. I don't know if any of you fine adequate lads ever played Bastion, the first game by Supergiant Games, but that game also featured a phenomenal folk-country-esque soundtrack. As soon as the second verse hit, with the slow cadence, the heavy drum hits behind the slow banjo, and the general wistful tone, I was transported right back to hearing that soundtrack for the first time.

[@DutchZeringer]

Absolutely fantasitic!

[@jonathanstackhaus8449]

This song immediately became one of my favorites when you released the album, one that helps me remember my hope in Jesus in the face of a tough life. What a great live performance with new instruments (that violin 🎻)and all the same powerful voices. I hope the songs make you ponder what it means to meet a Savior, and I thank God for the musical gifts He’s given you guys. Take care!

[@Denley1526]

God given gifts indeed. X

[@keiths81ca]

Beautiful rendition

[@nerdguy9174]

Gorgeous! Thank you.

[@ribbontoast]

I *love* this song and I have been collecting recordings/arrangements of Wayfaring Stranger for decades and your rendition is honestly one of my favorites.

[@drih_hawkeye]

same here, I love this song to bits but this might be one of the best versions, if not the best

[@profcunningfox8198]

Already loved this song since I saw 1917 and you’ve smashed this rendition! Only hope I can see you perform it live one day!

[@sebeng861]

Great job as always! Getting chills while listening!

[@sokka1005]

this is most certainly my favorite song, and i had really high hopes when you announced it was going to be on your album there was the ball on the tee AND YOU KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE BLOODY PARK!!!! THIS COVER ROCKS!!!

[@alainmarion295]

Chanson très émouvante quand on n'a plus ses parents : " je reviens à la maison pour revoir mon père et ma mère ".

[@TakaliOmega]

This is the best version of this song I have ever heard. You guys are amazing. I might actually get my guitar out after many years away and play this song.

[@dune_strider3055]

This gives me goose bumps. Bravo!

[@aoiderust231]

Ay! Dave's got a lagerphone! Love all the various percussion-y bits you've been adding to your songs lately ❤️

[@carolynblizzard6192]

Beautiful version! That stick is very similar to ones I used with the little kids I did music with. Glad to see you aren't bopping anyone over the head with it!😉

[@MrRockIsAwesome]

This is absolutely brilliant.

[@hotglitch7769]

My god, the stick is back!

[@lilasphotosandvideos43]

that sounds great 👏👏👏

[@thelongestjohns]

Thanks so much!

[@ElMariachi2004]

This. Is. Awesome.

[@thelongestjohns]

Thanks so much!

[@ElMariachi2004]

@@thelongestjohns you´re welcome! I enjoyed your music for quite some time now and I´m a huge fan! Please never stop!

[@Qerynna]

I was listening to this (and a bunch of others) while I worked today. I came up with a stepping pattern/dance step to go with the electric guitar slide (or whatever it's called), and I'm sure I looked like an absolute loon, my arms full of sheets, moving to music only I could hear.

[@darthlaurel]

Beautifully done.

[@thelongestjohns]

Thank you!! :)

[@Becken7]

My favourite song so far! Wasnt fussy on the original but this is fire!

[@rhondadowns3516]

Beautiful job. Love it.

[@kwstasvas36]

Amazing!!

[@Helios8170]

I'd like to thank my brain for reading the last part of the title as "The Longest of Johns"

[@gyrrakavian]

I'm so used to Betsy Lee and Mr Shoe's arrangement for _No Evil_ I keep expecting to hear a second part start in with _Ain't No Grave_ to start in.

[@Bagpipe13]

Awesome

[@epicfail9271]

Love these, keep it up boys! Hammer and anvil next?

[@thelongestjohns]

Don’t think we recorded that in these sessions, but we’ve been playing it live a lot

[@epicfail9271]

@@thelongestjohns even so, been loving the live content. Don't think my car would like the drive or I'd look at ticket master for the Georgia event

[@Cry_Havoc]

@@thelongestjohns Can you release a concert video? You didn't play it in the US, and the concert glimpse we Yanks got is just too tantalizing.