THE SOJOURNER

Can I stay in your barn tonight Mister,

I am tired and weary and I’m cold;

I have a sad story to tell you,

A sad story that I have never told.

I once had a wife and some children,

A mother and a dad who loved me too;

But I chose the life of a traveler,

As that is what I thought I wanted to do.

So, can I sleep in your barn tonight Mister,

Let me lie my tired body down upon your hay;

I promise I won’t cause you any trouble,

And I’ll be gone before the breaking of day.

I left my home and my loved ones,

The wild wind and open road did beckon me;

I have traveled many miles over land and mountains,

And I have roamed from sea to shining sea.

Please let me stay in your barn tonight Mister,

Just a few hours my weary head to lie down;

My clothes are thin, my shoes are worn,

And my feet are nigh upon the ground.

I have became a wayfarer and a vagabond,

As over many miles this earth I did roam;

But by tomorrow night Mister,

I’ll be back in my warm and loving home.

Will my loved ones be there awaiting,

And will they welcome me back home;

Will my roaming days then be left behind me,

Or will I now forever be alone.

My wandering days have overwhelmed me,

And cost me all that I once tried to gain;

When I get home again will I be welcomed,

Or forever must I be alone again.

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Oh, just for a few hours of rest Mister,

Then I will be headed for my old home to see;

Will my mother and dad be there awaiting,

With happy open arms to welcome me.

Reba Alsup 2008