Farther Along

The Million Dollar Quartet jammed to the gospel song in 1956 and Elvis went on to record the song just short of 11 years later in 1967. ‘Farther Along’ speaks of a Christian who is questioning how he and others are suffering, but do not commit sins, while the sinful seem to be rewarded. However, the song also says that his/her question would soon be answered by God.

No one seems to know the origins of the song, but it’s earliest known existence, which was at the turn of the 20th century, credits the song to Barney Warren, editor of a hymn book. A preacher called W. B. Stevens later claimed to be the song’s writer after hearing an adaptation of the song by the Stamps-Baxter Gospel group. Various other suggestions have been made about who the real author of the song is.

‘Farther Along’ has also been covered by Glenn Campbell, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Sam Cooke and Roy Acuff.