How Far Am I From Canaan?

Written by Reverend W. Herbert Brewster

Trivia   

• This is the song Sam Cooke had to sing at the audition for the Soul Stirrers, he of course won (source: "People Get Ready")
• The Soul Stirrers  sang this song already with RH Harris and sometimes forget that Cooke couldn't reach the notes Harris did. Cooke went under these notes with his trademark whoa-yodel. It was during the live performances of this song that he did that for the first time.

Soul Stirrers    

• Sam Cooke (lead)
• Paul Foster (lead)
• SR Crain (first tenor)
• Thomas L Bruster (baritone)
• R.B. Robinson (baritone)
• Jesse J Farley (bass)

Recorded February 22, 1952 at Universal recorders, Hollywood, CA by Art Rupe and Bunny Robyn (master engineer)

MP3 at Amazon.com

Singles    Specialty 824 b/w It Won't Be Very Long {sold 21,300 copies}

Albums    

• The Complete Recordings of Sam Cooke with the Soul Stirrers (including take 1/alt and 3/alt)    
• The Gospel Soul of Sam Cooke with the Soul Stirres, Vol. 2 
• Jesus Gave Me Wate(a capella_
• The Last Mile Of The Way
• My Gospel Roots
• Peace In The Valley
• The Soul Stirrers featuring Sam Cooke
• Touch The Hem Of His Garment
• Wonderful
• You Send Me (Timeless Collection)

Lyrics

I am standing on the Jordan
Gazing 'cross the swelling tide
There I'll rest my heavy burden
'Till all doubts and fears Lord subside

I can hear the angels singing
I can see, Lord, them 'round the throne
Well I can hear, I hear the saints, child, oh singing
Hallelujah, Hallelujah now, now 'tis done, oh yes

Tell me...
How far am I from Canaan? 2x
With the angels singing and the joybell ringing
And glory, Lord, How far am I from Canaan?

Lord, over there we'll shout, "Troubles over!" 2x

With the angels singing and the joybell ringing
And glory, Lord, How far am I from Canaan?
Lord, up there I'll need my mother
Lord, when I get on home, my savior I'll join
Well, I'll shout God knows I'm going to dwell