Story Behind The Song
I wrote this, at a friend's request when she was dying of cancer. She had asked me to sing a bluegrass song at her funeral (which was held outdoors on her land.) I wrote it specifically about my friend, but since then the song has become a favorite at my live shows, with audience members joining in.
Song Description
Comforting and easy-going, old-fashioned bluegrass gospel feel with guitar, mandolin, upright bass and vocal harmonies.
A parting testament to a life in harmony with nature and loved ones. A paddling metaphor runs throughout the song.
| Song Length |
3:15 |
Genre |
Folk - Bluegrass, Folk - Rural |
| Tempo |
Medium Fast (131 - 150) |
Lead Vocal |
Female Vocal |
| Mood |
Peaceful, Blissful |
Subject |
Water, Life |
| Language |
English |
Era |
1940 - 1949 |
Lyrics
OF THIS LAND WE'RE SONS AND DAUGHTERS
PRECIOUS FLOW'RS OF MOTHER EARTH
WE ARE CREATURES BORN OF WOODS AND WATERS
AND IN DEATH WE SHALL NOT THIRST
THOUGH I LAY MY PADDLE DOWN
I AM CALLED TO TRAVEL ON
MY SOUL WILL FILL WITH BLISS AS I RISE UP IN THE MIST
DRIFT AWAY, DRIFT AWAY, DRIFT AWAY
OF DEAR FRIENDS I'VE KNOWN NO SHORTAGE
MY FAMILY'S LOVE HAS BEEN MY STEADY OAR
WITH THE BURDON SHARED TO EASE THE PORTAGE
I HAVE REACHED THE SWEETEST SHORE
THOUGH I LAY MY PADDLE DOWN
I AM CALLED TO TRAVEL ON
MY SOUL WILL FILL WITH BLISS AS I RISE UP IN THE MIST
DRIFT AWAY, DRIFT AWAY, DRIFT AWAY
WHEN MY TIME HAS COME FOR LEAVIN'
PLACE A WREATH UPON MY BOW
TAKE MY HEART AND HANDS, I WILL NOT NEED THEM
WHEN I LAY MY PADDLE DOWN
THOUGH I LAY MY PADDLE DOWN
I AM CALLED TO TRAVEL ON
MY SOUL WILL FILL WITH BLISS AS I RISE UP IN THE MIST
DRIFT AWAY, DRIFT AWAY, DRIFT AWAY
MY SOUL WILL FILL WITH BLISS AS I RISE UP IN THE MIST
DRIFT AWAY, DRIFT AWAY, DRIFT AWAY
DRIFT AWAY, DRIFT AWAY, DRIFT AWAY