Lyrics
Verse 1
Well I was doublin' over the load on my shoulders
Was a weight I carried with me everyday
Crossin' miles of frustrations and rivers a ragin'
Pickin' up stones I found along the way
Verse 2
I staggered and I stumbled down
Pathways of trouble
I was haulin' those souvenirs of misery
And with each step takin' my back was breakin'
'Til found the One who took it all from me
Chorus
Down by the riverside
(Down by the riverside)
I laid my burdens down,
Now I'm travelin' light
My spirit lifted high
(I found my freedom now)
I found my freedom now,
And I'm travelin' light
Verse 3
Through the darkest alleys and loneliest valleys
I was draggin' those heavy chains of doubt and fear
Then with one word spoken the locks were broken
Now He's leading me to places
Where there are no tears
(Repeat Chorus)
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Traveling Light is a testimony song about laying down heavy burdens. The first verse describes doubling over under a load carried every day, crossing miles of frustration and rivers raging, and picking up stones along the way. The second verse admits staggering down pathways of trouble, hauling souvenirs of misery, and breaking under the weight until finding the One who took it all.
The chorus is set down by the riverside, where the burdens are laid down, the spirit is lifted high, and freedom is found, so that the singer is traveling light. The third verse pictures dark alleys, lonely valleys and chains of doubt and fear, until one word spoken breaks the locks and leads to a place where there are no tears. The themes follow Matthew 11:28 on the rest Jesus gives to the weary, Psalm 55:22 on casting burdens on the Lord, and Psalm 107:14 on breaking chains. The lilting, folk-style melody gives it a light, hopeful tone.
Related Scripture
- Matthew 11:28 Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to Him for rest.
- Psalm 55:22 The psalmist urges casting burdens on the Lord, who sustains.
- Psalm 107:14 The Lord brings people out of darkness and breaks their chains.