In light of the fact that we’re having some pretty strange spring weather on both the east and west coasts, and because I have been hearing that you’re enjoying the old folk songs, I decided to arrange another beautiful oldie, called Wayfaring Stranger. This dark tune which probably originated in the southern Appalachians, has been recorded by many fine artists, many of whom you can watch here. I think my favorite version is Jack White’s:
You can watch a bit of the song as White sung it in the 2003 film, Cold Mountain (starring Renée Zellweger, Nicole Kidman and Jude Law):
I offered an easy arrangement of Wayfaring Stranger in Upper Hands Piano BOOK 1, and have also re-arranged it for intermediate piano. You can download both, below:
Print Wayfaring Stranger INTERMEDIATE HERE (only available through March 2019)
UPDATE- I COULD NOT INCLUDE THE EASY ARRANGEMENT OF WAYFARING STRANGER ON MY NEW WEBSITE. PLEASE EMAIL ME AT upperhandspiano@gmail.com AND I WILL HAPPILY EMAIL IT TO YOU. SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE!
In the intermediate arrangement I tried to simulate some of that mountain guitar sound that Jack White creates, but I have kept the melody to the traditional notes. Here is a video to help you play Wayfaring Stranger, intermediate:
Here are the lyrics to the third verse, which I didn’t include in the sheet music:
I know my pathway is rough and steep
But golden fields lie out before me
Where weary eyes no more will weep
I’m going there to see my Mother
She said she’d meet me when I come
I am just going over home
You might also want to scroll down on the FREE Sheet Music Page and print a few more songs before they disappear! (They are available for only one year.) If you haven’t already, print The Water Is Wide. It’s such a beautiful song; I want everyone to know it!
I hope Wayfaring Stranger helps you enjoy the final vestiges of cloudy/rainy/snowy moody/gloominess before the dawning of a sunshiny spring!
With love and music, Gaili
Gaili Schoen, Author, Upper Hands Piano: A Method for Adults 50+ to Spark the Mind, Heart and Soul (BOOKs 1-4, available on Amazon.com)
aewsome as always! Don’t stop your blogs!
Thanks Lee! You made my day…
I will never stop! I love blogging 🙂
Thank you so much for posting this!
You’re so welcome! I’m glad you like the song, it’s one of my favorites 🙂
I’d like to get a copy of Wayfaring Stranger, please. Just discovered your blog…I have a couple of adult piano students who might be able to play your arrangements. Thank you!
-Susan Gentry
Absolutely! I am emailing it to you now. Thanks for following my blog!
please send the easy piano version of Wayfaring Stranger
Hi Earl- I am sending it now. Enjoy! And thanks for reaching out.