"I'm on my way (and I won't turn back)" is a traditional Gospel song.Motive - Volume 23 1962 p.41 "... And finally the overwhelming affirmation, "I'm on my way and I won't turn back!" It is described a typical "going-to-Canaan" song; and possibly an Underground Railroad song.John Greenway American folksongs of protest 1953 p.100 A typical "going-to-Canaan" song; possibly an Underground Railroad song. The Carter Family, famous white hillbilly singers, have made a record of a version of this song utterly without slavery significance. I'm on my way, and I won't turn back!
The lyrics begin "I'm on my way and I won't turn back, I'm on my way and I won't turn back, I'm on my way and I won't turn back; I'm on my way, great God, I'm on my way. I asked my brother to come with me..."Mark Kailana Nelson Favorite Old-Time American Songs for Dulcimer 2011 p. 147 "I'm on my way and I won't turn back, I'm on my way and I won't turn back, I'm on my way and I won't turn back; I'm on my way, great God, I'm on my way. I asked my brother to come with me, I asked my brother to come with"
Recordings The Carter Family Odetta on Odetta Sings Ballads and Blues 1956 Soundtrack for Elmer Gantry (1960) The Golden Gate Quartet recorded this song under the title "The Story of Job" Barbara Dane, on her album "On My Way", 1962. Adapted, into a new song "On My Way"
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