Graham Kendrick Music | 3 months ago

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Comforting Stranger from 1974 album Paid on the Nail by singer/songwriter Graham Kendrick.

A reflective and poetic song about encountering Jesus on life's journey, echoing the biblical story of the road to Emmaus. The narrator sets off, burdened by sorrow and loss, accompanied only by starlight and a stone in his shoe. Along the way, they meet a mysterious stranger who listens to their grief over the crucifixion.

This stranger, who offers comfort and guidance, symbolises Jesus as a quiet, constant presence in our lives. The song culminates in a meal where the breaking of bread reveals Him as Christ, reminding us that He walks with us through every moment, seen and unseen. Comforting Stranger encourages us to remain open to His presence, offering hope and reassurance that He is always by our side.

Originally released on the Key Records label, ‘Paid on the Nail’ was Graham’s third album and a landmark in his ministry.

It continued the acoustic/folky style which had been Graham’s hallmark in his earlier recordings but also introduced a wider variety and subtlety of arrangements and other instruments including Peter Roe on the Moog synthesiser. The songs were written while Graham was part of a team ministry called ‘In the name of Jesus’ who engaged in evangelism and church renewal around the UK.

Song lyrics and MP3 download:

https://grahamkendrick.co.uk/comforting-stranger-i-took-me-my-walking-shoes/

I took me my walking shoes
And made for the road,
And as we were leaving
The air turned cold.
Just the starlight and you
And a stone in my shoe
And then suddenly there was this stranger
The Comforting Stranger is still on the road

We told Him our sorrows
The loss of a friend
The Cross and the traitor
The bitter end
Just the starlight and you
And a stone in my shoe
And then suddenly there was this stranger
The Comforting Stranger is still on the road

He walks me down my lifelong street
And fills my empty spoon
Beside the greenest fields
He lays me down
He leads me by still waters
And revives my hungry soul
If you see His lamp approaching
You will know
He’s still on the road
He’s still on the road

Bread on the table
The wood on the fire
Three firelight shadows
Flickering higher
Just the starlight and you
And a stone in my shoe
And then suddenly there was this stranger
The Comforting Stranger is still on the road

The wine in the firelight
Turned richer red
‘This wine is my blood’ He said
‘My body this bread.’
Like a voice that is caught
By the wind, He was gone
And then suddenly I knew the Stranger
The Comforting Stranger is still on the road

He walks me down my lifelong street
And fills my empty spoon
Beside the greenest fields
He lays me down
He leads me by still waters
And revives my hungry soul
If you see His lamp approaching
You will know
He’s still on the road
He’s still on the road
He’s still on the road

Graham Kendrick
Copyright © 1974 Make Way Music,
www.grahamkendrick.co.uk

Released:
1974 (Key Records)

Producer:
John Pantry

Recorded at:
R G Jones Studios, London and Echo Studios, Eastbourne

Musicians:
Graham Kendrick - Acoustic Guitar
Peter Roe - Moog Synthesiser
Nick Ryan - Bass Guitar
Mike Wade - Drums
Ken Freeman - String Synthesiser