You’re Not Alone, Grieving Neighbor

You aren't alone,
grieving neighbor,
crying for our
mountain town.

There ain't no storms,
nor watery danger
in that bright land
to which we're bound.

She's going home
to see her father
with all our loved ones
lost to the water.

She's just going over
Jordan—
she's just going over
home.

Helene's dark clouds
they gathered 'round us,
and now our way
is rough and steep.

But helpful folk came
to surround us,
to help rebuild,
to help us weep.

He's going home
to see his mama,
far too soon
when she passed on.

He's just going over
Jordan—
he's just going over
home.

They're just going over
Jordan—
they're just going over
home.

You're Not Alone, Grieving Neighbor" is a retelling of Wayfaring Stranger. These lyrics came to me as I moved through grief after Hurricane Helene. My mama sang the original to me when I was little; it brought me comfort, and I hope this song brings you peace. You are not alone.

This song is also for those lost to the water. My Scots-Irish ancestors, who sang the original Wayfaring Stranger that I grew up with, believed only our bodies are lost in death. This song carries that same belief in its lyrics. The souls and hearts of those taken by the waters of Helene are not lost, nor are they forgotten. Just as my mother taught me about the trials of my ancestors through song, my hope and prayer is that this song preserves the telling of our story during Helene, and that the departed will be remembered. You are not forgotten.