Poor Wayfaring Stranger: What is the song used in 1917 and The Last of Us 2 soundtracks?

27 July 2020, 12:14 | Updated: 27 July 2020, 12:16

1917 is undoubtedly one of the greatest war movies for decades, if not of all time.

The Sam Mendes-directed film takes place during World War I, and follows two young British soldiers who are given a mission to deliver a message warning of an ambush that would save thousands of lives.

The film has been universally praised by critics and fans for its performances, cinematography and realism, but one aspect that is truly astonishing is its music.

Thomas Newman once again worked with Sam Mendes on the film, providing the dramatic and beautiful score, which has been nominated for an Oscar.

But there was one moment that no doubt sent shivers across your body when you saw it. As Lance Corporal Will Schofield finally reached the 2nd Batallion in the woods, he sees hundreds of soldiers watching quietly while one member sings a beautiful folk song, longing for home.

It is a truly beautiful and stunning moment, as the realisation of everything Schofield has been through hits him as he finally has a moment to stop, while the rest of the soldiers have no idea what might happen next in the war.

That same song has now also been used in the video game The Last Of Us Part 2.

But what is the song that is heard?

1. What is the song performed by the soldier in the woods?

   

   The song is titled 'The Wayfaring Stranger' or 'Poor Wayfaring Stranger'.

   It is a famous American folk and gospel song, which most likely originated in the early 19th century. It is number 3339 in the Roud Folk Song Index.

   The song is about a plaintive person on some kind of journey through life, and was perfectly used in the context of World War I.

2. Who sings it in the film?

   Saw @1917FilmUK yesterday. What an amazing piece of cinema! Feel very lucky to be part of it and even luckier that they used my singing in the trailer! Go see. You won’t be disappointed https://t.co/poatlI6YOe

   — Jos Slovick (@JosSlovick) January 11, 2020

   In 1917, 'Poor Wayfaring Stranger' is performed as live by singer and actor Jos Slovick.

   Jos has appeared in many West End productions, including the original London productions of Brief Encounter, Spring Awakening, Soho Cinders and Once the Musical.

   He also appeared as Bossuet in the 2012 movie version of Les Misérables.

3. Is there a studio version?

   Yes!

   The original 1917 soundtrack album by Thomas Newman did not include the song, and for a while there was not an official version out there other than recordings from the film itself.

   Fans were so hopeful of a full version, that they even launched a petition for Sam Mendes to record one with Jos.

   Thank you for all lovely comments. It’s much appreciated. Unfortunately it’s not up to me to record a full version. If that changes i’ll let you know 🙂

   — Jos Slovick (@JosSlovick) January 11, 2020

   Thankfully, our prayers were answered, as Joe recorded a studio version that we can enjoy in full, both as an a cappella and with orchestral backing:

   

   Jos Slovick - I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger (from 1917) - Official Video

   

   I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger (From 1917) | 1917 OST

4. It also appears in The Last of Us Part 2

   Spoilers ahead!

   At the end of video game sequel The Last of Us 2, the characters of Ellie and Joel (voiced by Ashley Johnson and Troy Baker) sing 'Poor Wayfaring Stranger' in the closing credits.

   You can hear this version below:

   

   The Last of Us Part 2 Ending Credits Song Wayfaring Stranger

5. Who else has sung it?

   

   Wayfaring Stranger

   American singer Burl Ives made it one of his signature songs, and included it on his 1944 album The Wayfaring Stranger.

   Emmylou Harris covered the song on her 1980 album Roses in the Snow. Her version reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

   Johnny Cash covered the song in his 2000 album American III: Solitary Man.

   There are also versions by Eva Cassidy, Jack White, Jamie Woon, Ed Sheeran and Eliza Carthy.

   We also reccomend this excellent version by vocal group Narrow Way:

   

   Poor Wayfaring Stranger

6. What are the lyrics?

   There are many different versions of the song, but the lyrics of some of the more famous versions are:

   I'm just a poor wayfaring stranger
   Traveling through this world below
   There is no sickness, no toil, nor danger
   In that bright land to which I go

   I'm going there to see my Father
   And all my loved ones who've gone on
   I'm just going over Jordan
   I'm just going over home

   I know dark clouds will gather 'round me
   I know my way is hard and steep
   But beauteous fields arise before me
   Where God's redeemed, their vigils keep

   I'm going there to see my Mother
   She said she'd meet me when I come
   So, I'm just going over Jordan
   I'm just going over home
   I'm just going over Jordan
   I'm just going over home