646. Farther Along (W. A. Fletcher)

The story goes that Rev. W. A. Fletcher, an itinerant preacher, wrote these lyrics while travelling on a train to the Indian Territories near the end of 1911, apparently to reflect his depression at knowing he would not be with his wife for the approaching birth of his first child as he felt obliged to carry out his ministry far from home. The theme is that wicked people seem to prosper whereas the righteous Christian often has to suffer, but that the apparent injustice will all be explained when we get to Heaven. He happened to be sitting next to J. R. Baxter, a gospel music promoter who liked the lyrics and paid Fletcher $2.00 for them. He then had them put to music and it became a popular Southern gospel song.

It has been covered by The Byrds, as the title song of one of their albums (1971), Glen Campbell and Elvis Presley. You can also find a lovely rendition by The Peasall Sisters, on YouTube.

You can see a playlist of my gospel songs here: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=5444D35A2AD94845

For lyrics and chords, see my website: http://www.raymondcrooke.com

Category:

Music

Tags:

• folk
• song
• southern
• gospel
• spiritual
• heaven
• christian
• suffering
• elvis
• byrds

[Audioproject2]

Nice version of my favourite song !

[raymondcrooke]

@Audioproject2 Thanks. Glad you liked it.

[1admullins]

one of my favorite old hyms, i sing this alot and it holds a place it my heart, what christian at some point hasn't felt like that in their christian walk....then do we wonder why other's prosper living so wicked year after year..... thanks for the good description i've often wondered what the author was goin through when he penned this historical poetic work of art!!! thanx so much for posting. it was a blessing!!

[raymondcrooke]

Thank you. I'm glad you found this meaningful.

[dannyknapp]

my parent's church this would be considered a 'new' song. you'd love it there Raymond, from a historical perspective. picture 700 people singing songs dating back to the 1600's in perfect 4 part harmony.

[raymondcrooke]

Sounds great.

[raymondcrooke]

Thank you, and thanks for subscribing.

[TinkGerman]

You have a wonderful voice, its such a touching song. Loved it, thank you!

[raymondcrooke]

Thanks, Max. But, perhaps it's undermined a bit by the "Pie In the Sky" video that follows it.

[raymondcrooke]

Thanks for that amusing snippet of information.