Lyrics
Verse 1
I believe my steps are growing wearier each day
Still I've got a journey on my mind
Lures of this old world have ceased to make me want to stay
and my one regret is leaving you behind
Chorus (x3)
And I'll be waiting on the far side banks of Jordan
I'll be waiting drawing pictures in the sand
And when I see you coming I will rise up with a shout!
And come running through the shallow waters reaching for your hand
Verse 2
If it proves to be his will that I'm the first to go
And some how I've a feeling it will be
When it comes time to travel likewise don't feel lost
For I will be the first one that you'll see
Verse 3
Through this life we've laboured hard to earn our meager fare
It's brought us trembling hands and failing eyes
I'll just rest here on this shore and turn my eyes away
And then you'll come then we'll see paradise
Credits & Song Information
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Jimmy Fortune’s live version of “Far Side Banks of Jordan” is a song of promise between two people who love each other, sung from the view of one who expects to cross over first. The singer says the steps are growing wearier and that the lure of this old world has faded, with the one regret being to leave the loved one behind.
The chorus gives the picture: waiting on the far side banks of Jordan, drawing pictures in the sand, rising with a shout at the sight of the one coming, and running through the shallow water to take a hand. The river stands for death, an image that goes back to Joshua 3 and is close to Psalm 23:4. The hope of reunion echoes 1 Thessalonians 4:17.
The later verses recall years of hard work, trembling hands, and failing eyes, and picture the two seeing paradise together. The message is a calm assurance that death is not the end of love or of hope for those who trust in the Lord.
Related Scripture
- Psalm 23:4 Walking through the valley of the shadow of death
- 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Being together with the Lord forever
- Philippians 1:23 Departing to be with Christ