Story Behind The Song

I wanted an upbeat closer for our second album, the grisly, blood-soaked "Stab." I had plenty of "comedy-based bluegrass material (to paraphrase Zappa)," but I decided to add this number, one in which the speaker accepts death without fear. The song has always been a great closer, particularly on our most recent European tour: the title captured the band's feeling during our travels.

Song Description

A joyful passing.

Lyrics

(chorus)
I'm going on a great, great journey,
A better home to find.
When Jesus calls me I'll be ready
To leave this world behind.

I've had enough of drinking whisky,
Mama asked me 'fore she died,
"Trade your bottle for a Bible,
Join me on the other side."

(chorus)

Give my guitar to my daddy,
He stood by me for so long.
Give my fiddle to my brother.
Bid them play a happy song, 'cause...

(chorus)

Here's some whisky I left for you,
Everybody take a turn.
Float my pine box in the river,
Light it up and watch it burn, 'cause...

I'm going on a great, great journey,
A better home to find.
When Jesus calls me I'll be ready
To leave this world behind.