Johnny Cash and June Carter first recorded the traditional country song “Far Side Banks of Jordan” in the mid-1970’s. Their duet record appears on Cash’s album The Last Gunfighter Ballad which came out in 1977. Terry Smith, a former school teacher, and an aspiring Nashville country artist wrote the song. When the couple came across the lyrics, they wept and decided to make it as their song. They first played it for Smith while at their vacation home in Jamaica. Apparently, “Far Side Banks of Jordan” is a parting song to a loved one. As such, the lyrics are filled with emotions. But at the same time, it offers comfort and assurance that such a great love built on earth would stay stronger than death. It underscores what’s more important and that is the everlasting love, itself. In the record, Carter sang the line “But if it proves to be his will that I am first to cross” which happened exactly in real life. She died in May 2003, four months ahead of Cash. At her funeral service, it has been reported that country musician Larry Gatlin performed “Far Side Banks of Jordan” spontaneously in an a cappella version. As Cash was too sick at that time, he had to attend his wife’s funeral services in a wheelchair. The thought of his wife’s words as stated in the following verse has certainly comforted Cash during his life’s final moments.
And I’ll be waiting on the far side banks of Jordan
I’ll be sitting drawing pictures in the sand
And when I see you coming, I will rise up with the shout
And come running through the shallow waters, reaching for your hand