The song is Wayfaring Stranger, and I think I wore a hole in my copy of it, listening to it in the car repeatedly and watching the clouds coming over the mountains that separate Hwy 101 from the ocean.
I'm not exactly sure what about the song gets to me so much. Except that I've always been sort of fascinated by travelers far from home. And apparently this song is older than dirt and has been covered quite a few times. My favorite version remains Trace Adkins (and lawdy, that man is a tall drink of cool water!), but I just discovered this old performance by Tennessee Ernie Ford on YouTube that sends chills down my spine.
I know it's not for everybody, and this version is probably the most nakedly religious version I've ever heard, but if you're interested, have a peek. It's gorgeous and pure, the way the words are uttered in that baritone voice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRhpHZ85Ozk
