CHAPTER XIWORKADAY RELIGIOUS SONGS

Manya laborer, although singing his full quota of secular songs, still finds his workaday solace best in his favorite heritage of church and religious melodies. There is surcease of sorrow in the plaintive

Yes, Lawd, burden down, burden down,O Lawd, since I laid my burden down.

Yes, Lawd, burden down, burden down,

O Lawd, since I laid my burden down.

And the appeal for relief from present difficulties, so eloquently expressed in the previous chapters, finds its counterpart in this favorite of many workers of the present day.

Do, Lawd, remember me,Do, Lawd, remember me,When I’m in trouble,Do, Lawd, remember me.When I’m low down,Do, Lawd, remember me.Oh, when I’m low down,Do, Lawd, remember me.Don’t have no cross,Do, Lawd, remember me,Don’t have no crown,Do, Lawd, remember me.

Do, Lawd, remember me,Do, Lawd, remember me,When I’m in trouble,Do, Lawd, remember me.

Do, Lawd, remember me,

When I’m in trouble,

Do, Lawd, remember me.

When I’m low down,Do, Lawd, remember me.Oh, when I’m low down,Do, Lawd, remember me.

When I’m low down,

Do, Lawd, remember me.

Oh, when I’m low down,

Do, Lawd, remember me.

Don’t have no cross,Do, Lawd, remember me,Don’t have no crown,Do, Lawd, remember me.

Don’t have no cross,

Do, Lawd, remember me,

Don’t have no crown,

Do, Lawd, remember me.

There seems to be an impression abroad to the effect that the making of Negro spirituals stopped long ago. On the contrary, it is quite probable that more spirituals are being made today than during the days of slavery. As a matter of fact the old spirituals have never beenstatic. It is no longer possible to speak of the “pure” or “original” version ofSwing Low, Sweet Chariot, ofRoll, Jordan, Roll, or any other of the old favorites. If any one is in doubt of this, let him compare the words and music of the spirituals as they were recorded by Allen and others in 1867 with the records of the same songs later made by Fenner and Work and with the recent versions in James Weldon Johnson’sBook of American Negro Spirituals. Or let him compare the songs as they are sung at Hampton with the same songs as they are sung at Tuskegee or at Fisk. The spirituals, like all other folk songs, are dynamic. Sometimes in the process of constant change there appear variations which are so unlike the parent songs as to constitute virtually new songs. In this way the old spirituals have been the inspiration for untold numbers of new religious songs.

Among the lowly Negro folk of the South the making of spirituals is still a reality. Every community has its “composers.” Often they are supposed to possess some special gift of the “spirit.” From sermon, prayer, and crude folk wisdom they draw ideas and inspiration for their compositions. Sometimes the results are pathetic, but not infrequently there springs up a song which would compare favorably with the old spirituals.

It is not the purpose of this chapter to present the old spirituals or merely their newer variations, but rather to give some of the more unsophisticated religious songs of the workaday Negro as they are sung today in the South, by the same groups and individuals whose songs and verbal pictures this volume presents. They are not the kind of songs which are usually sung in the Negro churches, for many of them have only individual or local significance, while others show distinct secular touches.

Biblical themes continue to find a place in the Negro’s religious songs. Moses and Pharaoh and Noah and the ark are still the favorites. Here are a few of the workaday religious songs now current in the South.Pharaoh’s Army Got Drowndedis a favorite with children, and is often sung by them as a sort of reel. The three songs following it were sung by a woman in Georgia who is known locally as Sanctified Mary Harris. She claims that they are her own compositions and says that she composes only when she in “under de spirit.”

Pharaoh’s Army Got DrowndedMary, don’t you weep an’, Marthie, don’t you moan,Mary, don’t you weep an’, Marthie, don’t you moan;Pharaoh’s army got drownded,O baby, don’t you weep.I thinks every day an’ I wish I couldStan’ on de rock whar Moses stood;Oh, Pharaoh’s army got drownded,O baby, don’t you weep.If you git dere befo’ I do,Tell de Cap’n I’s a-comin’ too;Pharaoh’s army got drownded,O baby, don’t you weep.If I had wings lak de angels have,I never be caught drivin’ in anudder cab;Pharaoh’s army got drownded,O baby, don’t you weep.Baby, don’t you weep an’, baby, don’t you moan,You has to go to heaven wid yo’ buryin’ clothes on;Pharaoh’s army got drownded,O baby, don’t you weep.

Pharaoh’s Army Got Drownded

Mary, don’t you weep an’, Marthie, don’t you moan,Mary, don’t you weep an’, Marthie, don’t you moan;Pharaoh’s army got drownded,O baby, don’t you weep.I thinks every day an’ I wish I couldStan’ on de rock whar Moses stood;Oh, Pharaoh’s army got drownded,O baby, don’t you weep.If you git dere befo’ I do,Tell de Cap’n I’s a-comin’ too;Pharaoh’s army got drownded,O baby, don’t you weep.If I had wings lak de angels have,I never be caught drivin’ in anudder cab;Pharaoh’s army got drownded,O baby, don’t you weep.Baby, don’t you weep an’, baby, don’t you moan,You has to go to heaven wid yo’ buryin’ clothes on;Pharaoh’s army got drownded,O baby, don’t you weep.

Mary, don’t you weep an’, Marthie, don’t you moan,Mary, don’t you weep an’, Marthie, don’t you moan;Pharaoh’s army got drownded,O baby, don’t you weep.

Mary, don’t you weep an’, Marthie, don’t you moan,

Mary, don’t you weep an’, Marthie, don’t you moan;

Pharaoh’s army got drownded,

O baby, don’t you weep.

I thinks every day an’ I wish I couldStan’ on de rock whar Moses stood;Oh, Pharaoh’s army got drownded,O baby, don’t you weep.

I thinks every day an’ I wish I could

Stan’ on de rock whar Moses stood;

Oh, Pharaoh’s army got drownded,

O baby, don’t you weep.

If you git dere befo’ I do,Tell de Cap’n I’s a-comin’ too;Pharaoh’s army got drownded,O baby, don’t you weep.

If you git dere befo’ I do,

Tell de Cap’n I’s a-comin’ too;

Pharaoh’s army got drownded,

O baby, don’t you weep.

If I had wings lak de angels have,I never be caught drivin’ in anudder cab;Pharaoh’s army got drownded,O baby, don’t you weep.

If I had wings lak de angels have,

I never be caught drivin’ in anudder cab;

Pharaoh’s army got drownded,

O baby, don’t you weep.

Baby, don’t you weep an’, baby, don’t you moan,You has to go to heaven wid yo’ buryin’ clothes on;Pharaoh’s army got drownded,O baby, don’t you weep.

Baby, don’t you weep an’, baby, don’t you moan,

You has to go to heaven wid yo’ buryin’ clothes on;

Pharaoh’s army got drownded,

O baby, don’t you weep.

Gonna Turn Back Pharaoh’s ArmyWhen de children wus in bondageDey cried unto de Lawd,“O turn back Pharaoh’s army.”Hallelu!Chorus:Gonna turn back Pharaoh’s army,Hallelu!Yes, a-gonna turn back Pharaoh’s army,Hallelu!I write to Marse JesusTo send some valiant soldersJus’ to turn back Pharaoh’s army,Hallelu!When Moses smit de waterThe children all cross over,Den dey turn back Pharaoh’s army,Hallelu!

Gonna Turn Back Pharaoh’s Army

When de children wus in bondageDey cried unto de Lawd,“O turn back Pharaoh’s army.”Hallelu!Chorus:Gonna turn back Pharaoh’s army,Hallelu!Yes, a-gonna turn back Pharaoh’s army,Hallelu!I write to Marse JesusTo send some valiant soldersJus’ to turn back Pharaoh’s army,Hallelu!When Moses smit de waterThe children all cross over,Den dey turn back Pharaoh’s army,Hallelu!

When de children wus in bondageDey cried unto de Lawd,“O turn back Pharaoh’s army.”Hallelu!

When de children wus in bondage

Dey cried unto de Lawd,

“O turn back Pharaoh’s army.”

Hallelu!

Chorus:

Gonna turn back Pharaoh’s army,Hallelu!Yes, a-gonna turn back Pharaoh’s army,Hallelu!

Gonna turn back Pharaoh’s army,

Hallelu!

Yes, a-gonna turn back Pharaoh’s army,

Hallelu!

I write to Marse JesusTo send some valiant soldersJus’ to turn back Pharaoh’s army,Hallelu!

I write to Marse Jesus

To send some valiant solders

Jus’ to turn back Pharaoh’s army,

Hallelu!

When Moses smit de waterThe children all cross over,Den dey turn back Pharaoh’s army,Hallelu!

When Moses smit de water

The children all cross over,

Den dey turn back Pharaoh’s army,

Hallelu!

Didn’t Ol’ Pharaoh Get Lost?God spoke to Moses, “Pharaoh now,Fer I have harden Pharaoh’s heart to me,Fer he will not bow.”Chorus:Didn’t ol’ Pharaoh get lost, get lost!Didn’t ol’ Pharaoh get lost in de Red Sea?Moses went unto PharaohAn’ did whut de Lawd said how,But God had harden Pharaoh’s heart,He would not let dem go.

Didn’t Ol’ Pharaoh Get Lost?

God spoke to Moses, “Pharaoh now,Fer I have harden Pharaoh’s heart to me,Fer he will not bow.”Chorus:Didn’t ol’ Pharaoh get lost, get lost!Didn’t ol’ Pharaoh get lost in de Red Sea?Moses went unto PharaohAn’ did whut de Lawd said how,But God had harden Pharaoh’s heart,He would not let dem go.

God spoke to Moses, “Pharaoh now,Fer I have harden Pharaoh’s heart to me,Fer he will not bow.”

God spoke to Moses, “Pharaoh now,

Fer I have harden Pharaoh’s heart to me,

Fer he will not bow.”

Chorus:

Didn’t ol’ Pharaoh get lost, get lost!Didn’t ol’ Pharaoh get lost in de Red Sea?

Didn’t ol’ Pharaoh get lost, get lost!

Didn’t ol’ Pharaoh get lost in de Red Sea?

Moses went unto PharaohAn’ did whut de Lawd said how,But God had harden Pharaoh’s heart,He would not let dem go.

Moses went unto Pharaoh

An’ did whut de Lawd said how,

But God had harden Pharaoh’s heart,

He would not let dem go.

Who Built de Ark?De very fust thing dat Nora done,He cut this timber down.De very next thing dat Nora doneHe huded it all aroun’.Chorus:Who built de ark? Nora, Nora.Who built de ark? Nora an’ his Lawd.Who built de ark? Nora, Nora.Who built de ark? Nora an’ his Lawd.Nora said to de rovin’ bird,“Go bring me a grain of san’.”De rovin’ bird cried, “O Lawd,I can’t find no lan’.”

Who Built de Ark?

De very fust thing dat Nora done,He cut this timber down.De very next thing dat Nora doneHe huded it all aroun’.Chorus:Who built de ark? Nora, Nora.Who built de ark? Nora an’ his Lawd.Who built de ark? Nora, Nora.Who built de ark? Nora an’ his Lawd.Nora said to de rovin’ bird,“Go bring me a grain of san’.”De rovin’ bird cried, “O Lawd,I can’t find no lan’.”

De very fust thing dat Nora done,He cut this timber down.De very next thing dat Nora doneHe huded it all aroun’.

De very fust thing dat Nora done,

He cut this timber down.

De very next thing dat Nora done

He huded it all aroun’.

Chorus:

Who built de ark? Nora, Nora.Who built de ark? Nora an’ his Lawd.Who built de ark? Nora, Nora.Who built de ark? Nora an’ his Lawd.

Who built de ark? Nora, Nora.

Who built de ark? Nora an’ his Lawd.

Who built de ark? Nora, Nora.

Who built de ark? Nora an’ his Lawd.

Nora said to de rovin’ bird,“Go bring me a grain of san’.”De rovin’ bird cried, “O Lawd,I can’t find no lan’.”

Nora said to de rovin’ bird,

“Go bring me a grain of san’.”

De rovin’ bird cried, “O Lawd,

I can’t find no lan’.”

The old songs had much to say about trouble, the struggle with sin and the devil, and the warning to the sinner man. Favorite lines used to be:

Nobody knows de trouble I’ve seenI’m a-rollin’ through an unfriendly worl’O my good Lawd, keep me from sinkin’ downWe are climbin’ Jacob’s ladderMy sins so heavy I can’t get alongSinner, what you gonna do?O sinner, don’t you let dis harves’ pass

Nobody knows de trouble I’ve seen

I’m a-rollin’ through an unfriendly worl’

O my good Lawd, keep me from sinkin’ down

We are climbin’ Jacob’s ladder

My sins so heavy I can’t get along

Sinner, what you gonna do?

O sinner, don’t you let dis harves’ pass

Perhaps Satan and the terrors of hell and judgment are not pictured as frequently and as vividly as they used to be, but they are still a vital part of Negro song. The following songs portray the struggle with sin, the warning to the sinner, and the superior status of the sanctified as opposed to the sinner.

Good Lawd, I Am TroubledTroubles makes me weep an’ moan,Goin’ where troubles be no mo’;Good Lawd, I am troubled.Troubles meet me at de do’,Goin’ where troubles be no mo’;Good Lawd, I am troubled.Troubles up and troubles down,Troubles never makes me frown;Good Lawd, I am troubled.

Good Lawd, I Am Troubled

Troubles makes me weep an’ moan,Goin’ where troubles be no mo’;Good Lawd, I am troubled.Troubles meet me at de do’,Goin’ where troubles be no mo’;Good Lawd, I am troubled.Troubles up and troubles down,Troubles never makes me frown;Good Lawd, I am troubled.

Troubles makes me weep an’ moan,Goin’ where troubles be no mo’;Good Lawd, I am troubled.

Troubles makes me weep an’ moan,

Goin’ where troubles be no mo’;

Good Lawd, I am troubled.

Troubles meet me at de do’,Goin’ where troubles be no mo’;Good Lawd, I am troubled.

Troubles meet me at de do’,

Goin’ where troubles be no mo’;

Good Lawd, I am troubled.

Troubles up and troubles down,Troubles never makes me frown;Good Lawd, I am troubled.

Troubles up and troubles down,

Troubles never makes me frown;

Good Lawd, I am troubled.

We Will Kneel ’Roun’ de AltarLawd, help me to be mo’ humble,Lawd, help me to be mo’ humble,In dat great gittin’-up mornin’,Lawd, help me be mo’ humble in dis worl’.Chorus:We will kneel ’roun’ de altar on our knees,We will kneel ’roun’ de altar on our knees,We will kneel ’roun’ de altarTill we view de risin’ sun.O Lawd, have mercy on me.Lawd, help me be mo’ faithful,Lawd, help me be mo’ faithful in dis worl’.We will see God’s risin’ sun,Lawd, help me be mo’ humble in dis worl’.Lawd, help de widders an’ de orphans in dis worl’,Lawd, help de widders an’ de orphans in dis worl’.In dis great gittin’-up mawnin’,Lawd, help the widders an’ de orphans in dis worl’.

We Will Kneel ’Roun’ de Altar

Lawd, help me to be mo’ humble,Lawd, help me to be mo’ humble,In dat great gittin’-up mornin’,Lawd, help me be mo’ humble in dis worl’.Chorus:We will kneel ’roun’ de altar on our knees,We will kneel ’roun’ de altar on our knees,We will kneel ’roun’ de altarTill we view de risin’ sun.O Lawd, have mercy on me.Lawd, help me be mo’ faithful,Lawd, help me be mo’ faithful in dis worl’.We will see God’s risin’ sun,Lawd, help me be mo’ humble in dis worl’.Lawd, help de widders an’ de orphans in dis worl’,Lawd, help de widders an’ de orphans in dis worl’.In dis great gittin’-up mawnin’,Lawd, help the widders an’ de orphans in dis worl’.

Lawd, help me to be mo’ humble,Lawd, help me to be mo’ humble,In dat great gittin’-up mornin’,Lawd, help me be mo’ humble in dis worl’.

Lawd, help me to be mo’ humble,

In dat great gittin’-up mornin’,

Lawd, help me be mo’ humble in dis worl’.

Chorus:

We will kneel ’roun’ de altar on our knees,We will kneel ’roun’ de altar on our knees,We will kneel ’roun’ de altarTill we view de risin’ sun.O Lawd, have mercy on me.

We will kneel ’roun’ de altar on our knees,

We will kneel ’roun’ de altar

Till we view de risin’ sun.

O Lawd, have mercy on me.

Lawd, help me be mo’ faithful,Lawd, help me be mo’ faithful in dis worl’.We will see God’s risin’ sun,Lawd, help me be mo’ humble in dis worl’.

Lawd, help me be mo’ faithful,

Lawd, help me be mo’ faithful in dis worl’.

We will see God’s risin’ sun,

Lawd, help me be mo’ humble in dis worl’.

Lawd, help de widders an’ de orphans in dis worl’,Lawd, help de widders an’ de orphans in dis worl’.In dis great gittin’-up mawnin’,Lawd, help the widders an’ de orphans in dis worl’.

Lawd, help de widders an’ de orphans in dis worl’,

Lawd, help de widders an’ de orphans in dis worl’.

In dis great gittin’-up mawnin’,

Lawd, help the widders an’ de orphans in dis worl’.

De Devil’s Been to My House[83]De devil’s been to my house today, today,De devil’s been to my house today, today,Lawd, de devil’s been to my house today, today,De devil’s been to my house today, today.I kicked him out my do’ today, today,I kicked him out my do’ today, today,Lawd, I kicked him out my do’ today, today,I kicked him out my do’ today, today.I’s goin’ sin-huntin’ today, today,I’s goin’ sin-huntin’ today, today,Lawd, I’s goin’ sin-huntin’ today, today,I’s goin’ sin-huntin’ today, today.

De Devil’s Been to My House[83]

De devil’s been to my house today, today,De devil’s been to my house today, today,Lawd, de devil’s been to my house today, today,De devil’s been to my house today, today.I kicked him out my do’ today, today,I kicked him out my do’ today, today,Lawd, I kicked him out my do’ today, today,I kicked him out my do’ today, today.I’s goin’ sin-huntin’ today, today,I’s goin’ sin-huntin’ today, today,Lawd, I’s goin’ sin-huntin’ today, today,I’s goin’ sin-huntin’ today, today.

De devil’s been to my house today, today,De devil’s been to my house today, today,Lawd, de devil’s been to my house today, today,De devil’s been to my house today, today.

De devil’s been to my house today, today,

Lawd, de devil’s been to my house today, today,

De devil’s been to my house today, today.

I kicked him out my do’ today, today,I kicked him out my do’ today, today,Lawd, I kicked him out my do’ today, today,I kicked him out my do’ today, today.

I kicked him out my do’ today, today,

Lawd, I kicked him out my do’ today, today,

I kicked him out my do’ today, today.

I’s goin’ sin-huntin’ today, today,I’s goin’ sin-huntin’ today, today,Lawd, I’s goin’ sin-huntin’ today, today,I’s goin’ sin-huntin’ today, today.

I’s goin’ sin-huntin’ today, today,

Lawd, I’s goin’ sin-huntin’ today, today,

I’s goin’ sin-huntin’ today, today.

[83]The next three songs are compositions of Sanctified Mary Harris.Have Everlastin’ Lifehas little originality, however.

Jes’ Behol’ What a Number!Yonder comes my sisterWho I’s loves so well.By her disobedienceShe have made her bed in hell.Chorus:Jes’ behol’ what a number!Jes’ behol’ what a number!Jes’ behol’ what a numberFrom every grave-yard.I looks unto de eas’,I looks unto de wes’,I see de dead a-risin’From every grave-yard.

Jes’ Behol’ What a Number!

Yonder comes my sisterWho I’s loves so well.By her disobedienceShe have made her bed in hell.Chorus:Jes’ behol’ what a number!Jes’ behol’ what a number!Jes’ behol’ what a numberFrom every grave-yard.I looks unto de eas’,I looks unto de wes’,I see de dead a-risin’From every grave-yard.

Yonder comes my sisterWho I’s loves so well.By her disobedienceShe have made her bed in hell.

Yonder comes my sister

Who I’s loves so well.

By her disobedience

She have made her bed in hell.

Chorus:

Jes’ behol’ what a number!Jes’ behol’ what a number!Jes’ behol’ what a numberFrom every grave-yard.

Jes’ behol’ what a number!

Jes’ behol’ what a number

From every grave-yard.

I looks unto de eas’,I looks unto de wes’,I see de dead a-risin’From every grave-yard.

I looks unto de eas’,

I looks unto de wes’,

I see de dead a-risin’

From every grave-yard.

Have Everlastin’ LifeBetter min’, my sister, how you walk on de cross,Have on everlastin’ life,Your foot might slip an’ your soul get los’,Have everlastin’ life.Chorus:Oh, he dat believe, oh, he dat believe,He shall have on everlastin’ life.He dat believe on de father an’ de sonShall have everlastin’ life.De tallest tree in paradise,Have everlastin’ life,De Christian call it de tree of life,Put on everlastin’ life.

Have Everlastin’ Life

Better min’, my sister, how you walk on de cross,Have on everlastin’ life,Your foot might slip an’ your soul get los’,Have everlastin’ life.Chorus:Oh, he dat believe, oh, he dat believe,He shall have on everlastin’ life.He dat believe on de father an’ de sonShall have everlastin’ life.De tallest tree in paradise,Have everlastin’ life,De Christian call it de tree of life,Put on everlastin’ life.

Better min’, my sister, how you walk on de cross,Have on everlastin’ life,Your foot might slip an’ your soul get los’,Have everlastin’ life.

Better min’, my sister, how you walk on de cross,

Have on everlastin’ life,

Your foot might slip an’ your soul get los’,

Have everlastin’ life.

Chorus:

Oh, he dat believe, oh, he dat believe,He shall have on everlastin’ life.He dat believe on de father an’ de sonShall have everlastin’ life.

Oh, he dat believe, oh, he dat believe,

He shall have on everlastin’ life.

He dat believe on de father an’ de son

Shall have everlastin’ life.

De tallest tree in paradise,Have everlastin’ life,De Christian call it de tree of life,Put on everlastin’ life.

De tallest tree in paradise,

Have everlastin’ life,

De Christian call it de tree of life,

Put on everlastin’ life.

The SanctifiedSay, who’s gonna ride my father’s horse?Say, who’s gonna ride my father’s horse?Say, who’s gonna ride my father’s horse?Thank God, the sanctified.Say, none can ride but the sanctified,Say, none can ride but the sanctified,Say, none can ride but the sanctified,Thank God, the sanctified.Say, Paul he rode with the sanctified,Say, Paul he rode with the sanctified,Say, Paul he rode with the sanctified,Thank God, the sanctified.No sinner rides with the sanctified,No sinner rides with the sanctified,No sinner rides with the sanctified,Thank God, I’m sanctified.

The Sanctified

Say, who’s gonna ride my father’s horse?Say, who’s gonna ride my father’s horse?Say, who’s gonna ride my father’s horse?Thank God, the sanctified.Say, none can ride but the sanctified,Say, none can ride but the sanctified,Say, none can ride but the sanctified,Thank God, the sanctified.Say, Paul he rode with the sanctified,Say, Paul he rode with the sanctified,Say, Paul he rode with the sanctified,Thank God, the sanctified.No sinner rides with the sanctified,No sinner rides with the sanctified,No sinner rides with the sanctified,Thank God, I’m sanctified.

Say, who’s gonna ride my father’s horse?Say, who’s gonna ride my father’s horse?Say, who’s gonna ride my father’s horse?Thank God, the sanctified.

Say, who’s gonna ride my father’s horse?

Thank God, the sanctified.

Say, none can ride but the sanctified,Say, none can ride but the sanctified,Say, none can ride but the sanctified,Thank God, the sanctified.

Say, none can ride but the sanctified,

Thank God, the sanctified.

Say, Paul he rode with the sanctified,Say, Paul he rode with the sanctified,Say, Paul he rode with the sanctified,Thank God, the sanctified.

Say, Paul he rode with the sanctified,

Thank God, the sanctified.

No sinner rides with the sanctified,No sinner rides with the sanctified,No sinner rides with the sanctified,Thank God, I’m sanctified.

No sinner rides with the sanctified,

Thank God, I’m sanctified.

What You Gonna Do?Sinner, what you gonna doWhen de world’s on fi-er?Sinner, what you gonna doWhen de world’s on fi-er?Sinner, what you gonna doWhen de world’s on fi-er?O my Lawd.Brother, what you gonna do?etc.Sister, what you gonna do?etc.Father, what you gonna do?etc.Mother, what you gonna do?etc.

What You Gonna Do?

Sinner, what you gonna doWhen de world’s on fi-er?Sinner, what you gonna doWhen de world’s on fi-er?Sinner, what you gonna doWhen de world’s on fi-er?O my Lawd.Brother, what you gonna do?etc.Sister, what you gonna do?etc.Father, what you gonna do?etc.Mother, what you gonna do?etc.

Sinner, what you gonna doWhen de world’s on fi-er?Sinner, what you gonna doWhen de world’s on fi-er?Sinner, what you gonna doWhen de world’s on fi-er?O my Lawd.

Sinner, what you gonna do

When de world’s on fi-er?

Sinner, what you gonna do

When de world’s on fi-er?

Sinner, what you gonna do

When de world’s on fi-er?

O my Lawd.

Brother, what you gonna do?etc.

Sister, what you gonna do?etc.

Father, what you gonna do?etc.

Mother, what you gonna do?etc.

I Love JesusDark was de night an’ cold was de groun’On which de Lawd had laid;Drops of sweat run down,In agony he prayed.Would thou despise my bleedin’ lam’An’ choose de way to hell,Still steppin’ down to de tomb,An’ yet prepared no mo’?I love Jesus,I love Jesus,I love Jesus,O yes, I do,Yes, Lawdy.

I Love Jesus

Dark was de night an’ cold was de groun’On which de Lawd had laid;Drops of sweat run down,In agony he prayed.Would thou despise my bleedin’ lam’An’ choose de way to hell,Still steppin’ down to de tomb,An’ yet prepared no mo’?I love Jesus,I love Jesus,I love Jesus,O yes, I do,Yes, Lawdy.

Dark was de night an’ cold was de groun’On which de Lawd had laid;Drops of sweat run down,In agony he prayed.

Dark was de night an’ cold was de groun’

On which de Lawd had laid;

Drops of sweat run down,

In agony he prayed.

Would thou despise my bleedin’ lam’An’ choose de way to hell,Still steppin’ down to de tomb,An’ yet prepared no mo’?

Would thou despise my bleedin’ lam’

An’ choose de way to hell,

Still steppin’ down to de tomb,

An’ yet prepared no mo’?

I love Jesus,I love Jesus,I love Jesus,O yes, I do,Yes, Lawdy.

I love Jesus,

O yes, I do,

Yes, Lawdy.

Save Me, LawdLawd, have mercy, Lawd, have mercy.Lawd, have mercy, Lawd, have mercy.Save po’ me,Save po’ sinner,Save po’ sinner,Save po’ sinner,Save me, Lawd.I am a-dyin’,I am a-dyin’,I am a-dyin’,Save me, Lawd.O Lawd, bless me, O Lawd, bless me,O Lawd, bless me, O Lawd, bless me.Save po’ me,Save po’ sinner,Save po’ sinner,Save po’ sinner,Save me, Lawd.

Save Me, Lawd

Lawd, have mercy, Lawd, have mercy.Lawd, have mercy, Lawd, have mercy.Save po’ me,Save po’ sinner,Save po’ sinner,Save po’ sinner,Save me, Lawd.I am a-dyin’,I am a-dyin’,I am a-dyin’,Save me, Lawd.O Lawd, bless me, O Lawd, bless me,O Lawd, bless me, O Lawd, bless me.Save po’ me,Save po’ sinner,Save po’ sinner,Save po’ sinner,Save me, Lawd.

Lawd, have mercy, Lawd, have mercy.Lawd, have mercy, Lawd, have mercy.Save po’ me,Save po’ sinner,Save po’ sinner,Save po’ sinner,Save me, Lawd.

Lawd, have mercy, Lawd, have mercy.

Save po’ me,

Save po’ sinner,

Save me, Lawd.

I am a-dyin’,I am a-dyin’,I am a-dyin’,Save me, Lawd.

I am a-dyin’,

Save me, Lawd.

O Lawd, bless me, O Lawd, bless me,O Lawd, bless me, O Lawd, bless me.Save po’ me,Save po’ sinner,Save po’ sinner,Save po’ sinner,Save me, Lawd.

O Lawd, bless me, O Lawd, bless me,

O Lawd, bless me, O Lawd, bless me.

Save po’ me,

Save po’ sinner,

Save me, Lawd.

Parting and death are the subjects of the saddest songs that the Negro sings. The following songs awaken thoughts of the old folk saying their goodby’s at the last service of a revival meeting or parting after a long-hoped-for family reunion.I Bid You a Long Farewellis one of the favorites of Aunt Georgia Victrum, age eighty-three, of Jasper County, Georgia.

I Bid You a Long FarewellMother, meetin’ is over,Mother, we mus’ part.If I never see you no mo’,I love you in my heart.Chorus:I bid you a long farewell,Brother, I bid you a long farewell.If I never see you no mo’I bid you a las’ farewell.Brother, meetin’ is over,Brother, we must part.If I never see you no mo’,I love you in my heart.

I Bid You a Long Farewell

Mother, meetin’ is over,Mother, we mus’ part.If I never see you no mo’,I love you in my heart.Chorus:I bid you a long farewell,Brother, I bid you a long farewell.If I never see you no mo’I bid you a las’ farewell.Brother, meetin’ is over,Brother, we must part.If I never see you no mo’,I love you in my heart.

Mother, meetin’ is over,Mother, we mus’ part.If I never see you no mo’,I love you in my heart.

Mother, meetin’ is over,

Mother, we mus’ part.

If I never see you no mo’,

I love you in my heart.

Chorus:

I bid you a long farewell,Brother, I bid you a long farewell.If I never see you no mo’I bid you a las’ farewell.

I bid you a long farewell,

Brother, I bid you a long farewell.

If I never see you no mo’

I bid you a las’ farewell.

Brother, meetin’ is over,Brother, we must part.If I never see you no mo’,I love you in my heart.

Brother, meetin’ is over,

Brother, we must part.

If I never see you no mo’,

I love you in my heart.

I Don’t Want You All to Grieve After MeI don’t want you all to grieve after me,I don’t want you all to grieve after me.Oh, when I’m dead an’ buried in my col’ silent tomb,I don’t want you all to grieve after me.An’ I will walk through the valley in peace,An’ I will walk through the valley in peace.Oh, when I’m dead an’ buried in my col’, silent tomb,I don’t want you all to grieve after me.My dear mother, don’t you grieve after me,My dear mother, don’t you grieve after me.Oh, when I’m dead an’ buried in my col’, silent tomb,I don’t want you all to grieve after me.My ol’ uncle, don’t you grieve after me,etc.[84]

I Don’t Want You All to Grieve After Me

I don’t want you all to grieve after me,I don’t want you all to grieve after me.Oh, when I’m dead an’ buried in my col’ silent tomb,I don’t want you all to grieve after me.An’ I will walk through the valley in peace,An’ I will walk through the valley in peace.Oh, when I’m dead an’ buried in my col’, silent tomb,I don’t want you all to grieve after me.My dear mother, don’t you grieve after me,My dear mother, don’t you grieve after me.Oh, when I’m dead an’ buried in my col’, silent tomb,I don’t want you all to grieve after me.My ol’ uncle, don’t you grieve after me,etc.[84]

I don’t want you all to grieve after me,I don’t want you all to grieve after me.Oh, when I’m dead an’ buried in my col’ silent tomb,I don’t want you all to grieve after me.

I don’t want you all to grieve after me,

I don’t want you all to grieve after me.

Oh, when I’m dead an’ buried in my col’ silent tomb,

I don’t want you all to grieve after me.

An’ I will walk through the valley in peace,An’ I will walk through the valley in peace.Oh, when I’m dead an’ buried in my col’, silent tomb,I don’t want you all to grieve after me.

An’ I will walk through the valley in peace,

An’ I will walk through the valley in peace.

Oh, when I’m dead an’ buried in my col’, silent tomb,

I don’t want you all to grieve after me.

My dear mother, don’t you grieve after me,My dear mother, don’t you grieve after me.Oh, when I’m dead an’ buried in my col’, silent tomb,I don’t want you all to grieve after me.

My dear mother, don’t you grieve after me,

My dear mother, don’t you grieve after me.

Oh, when I’m dead an’ buried in my col’, silent tomb,

I don’t want you all to grieve after me.

My ol’ uncle, don’t you grieve after me,etc.[84]

[84]And so on for father, sister, brother,etc.,etc.

When I’s Dead an’ GoneHe is a dyin’-bed maker.Jesus met a woman at de well,An’ she went runnin’ homeAn’ tol’ her friends,“A man tol’ me all I ever done.”The friends dey come a runnin’ with de woman,Saw Jesus settin’ on de well,He said he could give de livin’ waterAn’ save yo’ soul from hell.He is a dyin’-bed maker.When I’s dead an’ goneSomebody gonna say I’s lost,But dey ought-a go down by JordanAn’ see whar Jesus led me ’cross.When I’s dead an’ gone,I don’t want you to cry;Jus’ go on down to de ol’ churchAn’ close my dyin’ eye.When Jesus hangin’ on de cross,His mudder began to moan.He looked at his dear ’ciplesAn say, “Take my dear mudder home.”

When I’s Dead an’ Gone

He is a dyin’-bed maker.Jesus met a woman at de well,An’ she went runnin’ homeAn’ tol’ her friends,“A man tol’ me all I ever done.”The friends dey come a runnin’ with de woman,Saw Jesus settin’ on de well,He said he could give de livin’ waterAn’ save yo’ soul from hell.He is a dyin’-bed maker.When I’s dead an’ goneSomebody gonna say I’s lost,But dey ought-a go down by JordanAn’ see whar Jesus led me ’cross.When I’s dead an’ gone,I don’t want you to cry;Jus’ go on down to de ol’ churchAn’ close my dyin’ eye.When Jesus hangin’ on de cross,His mudder began to moan.He looked at his dear ’ciplesAn say, “Take my dear mudder home.”

He is a dyin’-bed maker.Jesus met a woman at de well,An’ she went runnin’ homeAn’ tol’ her friends,“A man tol’ me all I ever done.”

He is a dyin’-bed maker.

Jesus met a woman at de well,

An’ she went runnin’ home

An’ tol’ her friends,

“A man tol’ me all I ever done.”

The friends dey come a runnin’ with de woman,Saw Jesus settin’ on de well,He said he could give de livin’ waterAn’ save yo’ soul from hell.

The friends dey come a runnin’ with de woman,

Saw Jesus settin’ on de well,

He said he could give de livin’ water

An’ save yo’ soul from hell.

He is a dyin’-bed maker.When I’s dead an’ goneSomebody gonna say I’s lost,But dey ought-a go down by JordanAn’ see whar Jesus led me ’cross.

He is a dyin’-bed maker.

When I’s dead an’ gone

Somebody gonna say I’s lost,

But dey ought-a go down by Jordan

An’ see whar Jesus led me ’cross.

When I’s dead an’ gone,I don’t want you to cry;Jus’ go on down to de ol’ churchAn’ close my dyin’ eye.

When I’s dead an’ gone,

I don’t want you to cry;

Jus’ go on down to de ol’ church

An’ close my dyin’ eye.

When Jesus hangin’ on de cross,His mudder began to moan.He looked at his dear ’ciplesAn say, “Take my dear mudder home.”

When Jesus hangin’ on de cross,

His mudder began to moan.

He looked at his dear ’ciples

An say, “Take my dear mudder home.”

Angels Lookin’ at MeDig my grave wid a silver spade,Angels lookin’ at me.Oh, look-a dere, look-a dere,Oh, look-a dere, look-a dere,Angels lookin’ at me.Drive me dere in a cerriage fine,Angels lookin’ at me.Oh, look-a dere, look-a dere,Oh, look-a dere, look-a dere,Angels lookin’ at me.Let me down wid a silver chain,Angels lookin’ at me,etc.All dem sinners can moan an’ weep,Angels lookin’ at me,etc.I’s settin’ in heaven in a golden cheer,Angels lookin’ at me,etc.

Angels Lookin’ at Me

Dig my grave wid a silver spade,Angels lookin’ at me.Oh, look-a dere, look-a dere,Oh, look-a dere, look-a dere,Angels lookin’ at me.Drive me dere in a cerriage fine,Angels lookin’ at me.Oh, look-a dere, look-a dere,Oh, look-a dere, look-a dere,Angels lookin’ at me.Let me down wid a silver chain,Angels lookin’ at me,etc.All dem sinners can moan an’ weep,Angels lookin’ at me,etc.I’s settin’ in heaven in a golden cheer,Angels lookin’ at me,etc.

Dig my grave wid a silver spade,Angels lookin’ at me.Oh, look-a dere, look-a dere,Oh, look-a dere, look-a dere,Angels lookin’ at me.

Dig my grave wid a silver spade,

Angels lookin’ at me.

Oh, look-a dere, look-a dere,

Angels lookin’ at me.

Drive me dere in a cerriage fine,Angels lookin’ at me.Oh, look-a dere, look-a dere,Oh, look-a dere, look-a dere,Angels lookin’ at me.

Drive me dere in a cerriage fine,

Angels lookin’ at me.

Oh, look-a dere, look-a dere,

Angels lookin’ at me.

Let me down wid a silver chain,Angels lookin’ at me,etc.

Let me down wid a silver chain,

Angels lookin’ at me,etc.

All dem sinners can moan an’ weep,Angels lookin’ at me,etc.

All dem sinners can moan an’ weep,

Angels lookin’ at me,etc.

I’s settin’ in heaven in a golden cheer,Angels lookin’ at me,etc.

I’s settin’ in heaven in a golden cheer,

Angels lookin’ at me,etc.

You Mus’ Shroud My BodyPray, mother, pray fer me,Pray, Lawd, until I die.You mus’ shroud my body, Lawd,An’ lay it away.Chorus:I hear Jerusalem moan,You mus’ shroud my body, Lawd,An’ lay it away.Pray, sister, pray fer me,Pray, Lawd, until I die,You mus’ shroud my body, Lawd,An’ lay it away.

You Mus’ Shroud My Body

Pray, mother, pray fer me,Pray, Lawd, until I die.You mus’ shroud my body, Lawd,An’ lay it away.Chorus:I hear Jerusalem moan,You mus’ shroud my body, Lawd,An’ lay it away.Pray, sister, pray fer me,Pray, Lawd, until I die,You mus’ shroud my body, Lawd,An’ lay it away.

Pray, mother, pray fer me,Pray, Lawd, until I die.You mus’ shroud my body, Lawd,An’ lay it away.

Pray, mother, pray fer me,

Pray, Lawd, until I die.

You mus’ shroud my body, Lawd,

An’ lay it away.

Chorus:

I hear Jerusalem moan,You mus’ shroud my body, Lawd,An’ lay it away.

I hear Jerusalem moan,

You mus’ shroud my body, Lawd,

An’ lay it away.

Pray, sister, pray fer me,Pray, Lawd, until I die,You mus’ shroud my body, Lawd,An’ lay it away.

Pray, sister, pray fer me,

Pray, Lawd, until I die,

You mus’ shroud my body, Lawd,

An’ lay it away.

But death holds no terror for the Negro. He maintains that death’s stream “chills the body but not the soul,” and he believes that

’Way up in the Rock of AgesIn God’s bosom gonna be my pillah.

’Way up in the Rock of Ages

In God’s bosom gonna be my pillah.

As of old, heaven is the greatest theme of his religious song. He used to sing:

When I git to heaven gonna ease, ease,Me an’ my God gonna do as we please.Now wait till I gits my gospel shoes,Gonna walk about heaven an’ spread the news.Dere’s a long white robe in de heaven for me.No more hard trials in de kingdom.Gonna feast off milk an’ honey.

When I git to heaven gonna ease, ease,Me an’ my God gonna do as we please.

When I git to heaven gonna ease, ease,

Me an’ my God gonna do as we please.

Now wait till I gits my gospel shoes,Gonna walk about heaven an’ spread the news.

Now wait till I gits my gospel shoes,

Gonna walk about heaven an’ spread the news.

Dere’s a long white robe in de heaven for me.

No more hard trials in de kingdom.

Gonna feast off milk an’ honey.

Now he sings:

I wants to go to heaven, set in de angel’s seat;I wants to go to heaven, eat what de angels eat.I’s gonna be in my home in heavenWhen I lay my burden down.I’m swingin’ in de swinger,Gonna swing me home to heaven.I’s gonna bathe my weary soul in paradise.

I wants to go to heaven, set in de angel’s seat;I wants to go to heaven, eat what de angels eat.

I wants to go to heaven, set in de angel’s seat;

I wants to go to heaven, eat what de angels eat.

I’s gonna be in my home in heavenWhen I lay my burden down.

I’s gonna be in my home in heaven

When I lay my burden down.

I’m swingin’ in de swinger,Gonna swing me home to heaven.

I’m swingin’ in de swinger,

Gonna swing me home to heaven.

I’s gonna bathe my weary soul in paradise.

But let the songs speak for themselves. Among them are some which might now be famous if they had only been born seventy years ago.

I Never Will Turn BackJesus my all to heaven is gone,I never will turn backWhile de heaven’s in my view,He who I fix my heart upon.I never will turn backWhile heaven’s in my view.Chorus:I never will,I never will,I never will turn backWhile de heaven’s in my view.While de heaven’s in my viewMy journey I prosue.I never will turn backWhen heaven’s in my view.

I Never Will Turn Back

Jesus my all to heaven is gone,I never will turn backWhile de heaven’s in my view,He who I fix my heart upon.I never will turn backWhile heaven’s in my view.Chorus:I never will,I never will,I never will turn backWhile de heaven’s in my view.While de heaven’s in my viewMy journey I prosue.I never will turn backWhen heaven’s in my view.

Jesus my all to heaven is gone,I never will turn backWhile de heaven’s in my view,He who I fix my heart upon.I never will turn backWhile heaven’s in my view.

Jesus my all to heaven is gone,

I never will turn back

While de heaven’s in my view,

He who I fix my heart upon.

I never will turn back

While heaven’s in my view.

Chorus:

I never will,I never will,I never will turn backWhile de heaven’s in my view.

I never will,

I never will turn back

While de heaven’s in my view.

While de heaven’s in my viewMy journey I prosue.I never will turn backWhen heaven’s in my view.

While de heaven’s in my view

My journey I prosue.

I never will turn back

When heaven’s in my view.

When I Lay My Burden DownGlory, glory, hallelujah, when I lay my burden down,Glory, glory, hallelujah, when I lay my burden down,Glory, glory, hallelujah, when I lay my burden down,I gonna be in heaven when I lay my burden down.Glory, glory, hallelujah, I’s goin’ to my home on high,Glory, glory, hallelujah, I’s goin’ to my home on high,Glory, glory, hallelujah, I’s goin’ to my home on high,I’s gonna be in my home in heaven when I lay my burden down.

When I Lay My Burden Down

Glory, glory, hallelujah, when I lay my burden down,Glory, glory, hallelujah, when I lay my burden down,Glory, glory, hallelujah, when I lay my burden down,I gonna be in heaven when I lay my burden down.Glory, glory, hallelujah, I’s goin’ to my home on high,Glory, glory, hallelujah, I’s goin’ to my home on high,Glory, glory, hallelujah, I’s goin’ to my home on high,I’s gonna be in my home in heaven when I lay my burden down.

Glory, glory, hallelujah, when I lay my burden down,

I gonna be in heaven when I lay my burden down.

Glory, glory, hallelujah, I’s goin’ to my home on high,Glory, glory, hallelujah, I’s goin’ to my home on high,Glory, glory, hallelujah, I’s goin’ to my home on high,I’s gonna be in my home in heaven when I lay my burden down.

Glory, glory, hallelujah, I’s goin’ to my home on high,

I’s gonna be in my home in heaven when I lay my burden down.

Since I Laid My Burden DownI been shoutin’,I been shoutin’Since I laid my burden down;I been shoutin’,I been shoutin’Since I laid my burden down.Chorus:Glory, glory, hallelujah,Since I laid my burden down;Glory, glory, hallelujah,Since I laid my burden down.I been prayerin’,I been prayerin’Since I laid my burden down;I been prayerin’,I been prayerin’Since I laid my burden down.

Since I Laid My Burden Down

I been shoutin’,I been shoutin’Since I laid my burden down;I been shoutin’,I been shoutin’Since I laid my burden down.Chorus:Glory, glory, hallelujah,Since I laid my burden down;Glory, glory, hallelujah,Since I laid my burden down.I been prayerin’,I been prayerin’Since I laid my burden down;I been prayerin’,I been prayerin’Since I laid my burden down.

I been shoutin’,I been shoutin’Since I laid my burden down;I been shoutin’,I been shoutin’Since I laid my burden down.

I been shoutin’,

I been shoutin’

Since I laid my burden down;

I been shoutin’,

I been shoutin’

Since I laid my burden down.

Chorus:

Glory, glory, hallelujah,Since I laid my burden down;Glory, glory, hallelujah,Since I laid my burden down.

Glory, glory, hallelujah,

Since I laid my burden down;

Glory, glory, hallelujah,

Since I laid my burden down.

I been prayerin’,I been prayerin’Since I laid my burden down;I been prayerin’,I been prayerin’Since I laid my burden down.

I been prayerin’,

I been prayerin’

Since I laid my burden down;

I been prayerin’,

I been prayerin’

Since I laid my burden down.

In de Mornin’ SoonSister Sal she got on her travelin’ shoes,In de mornin’ soon,In de mornin’ soon,In de mornin’ soon.Yes, I’s goin’ to bury my weary soulIn de mornin’ soon.Sinners, I hates to leave you here,Sinners, I hates to leave you here,Sinners, I hates to leave you here,’Cause I goin’ to go to paradiseIn de mornin’ soon.Some o’ dese days jes’ about noon,Some o’ dese days jes’ about noon,Some o’ dese days jes’ about noon,I’s goin’ to bathe my weary soul in paradiseIn de mornin’ soon.

In de Mornin’ Soon

Sister Sal she got on her travelin’ shoes,In de mornin’ soon,In de mornin’ soon,In de mornin’ soon.Yes, I’s goin’ to bury my weary soulIn de mornin’ soon.Sinners, I hates to leave you here,Sinners, I hates to leave you here,Sinners, I hates to leave you here,’Cause I goin’ to go to paradiseIn de mornin’ soon.Some o’ dese days jes’ about noon,Some o’ dese days jes’ about noon,Some o’ dese days jes’ about noon,I’s goin’ to bathe my weary soul in paradiseIn de mornin’ soon.

Sister Sal she got on her travelin’ shoes,In de mornin’ soon,In de mornin’ soon,In de mornin’ soon.Yes, I’s goin’ to bury my weary soulIn de mornin’ soon.

Sister Sal she got on her travelin’ shoes,

In de mornin’ soon,

In de mornin’ soon.

Yes, I’s goin’ to bury my weary soul

In de mornin’ soon.

Sinners, I hates to leave you here,Sinners, I hates to leave you here,Sinners, I hates to leave you here,’Cause I goin’ to go to paradiseIn de mornin’ soon.

Sinners, I hates to leave you here,

’Cause I goin’ to go to paradise

In de mornin’ soon.

Some o’ dese days jes’ about noon,Some o’ dese days jes’ about noon,Some o’ dese days jes’ about noon,I’s goin’ to bathe my weary soul in paradiseIn de mornin’ soon.

Some o’ dese days jes’ about noon,

I’s goin’ to bathe my weary soul in paradise

In de mornin’ soon.

Oh, de Gospel Train’s A-Comin’Oh, de gospel train’s a-comin’,Goodby, good by, good by.Oh, de gospel train’s a-comin’,Goodby.Oh, de gospel train’s a-comin’,Oh, de gospel train’s a-comin’,Oh, de gospel train’s a-comin’,Goodby.Oh, she’s comin’ ’roun’ de curve,Goodby, good by, good by.Oh, she’s comin’ ’roun’ de curve,Goodby.Oh, de train am heavy loaded,etc.Oh, sinner have you got you ticket?etc.Oh, she’s boun’ straight way to heaven,etc.Can’t you change you way o’ livin?etc.Oh, Marse Jesus am de captain,etc.Oh, de ride am free to heaven,etc.

Oh, de Gospel Train’s A-Comin’

Oh, de gospel train’s a-comin’,Goodby, good by, good by.Oh, de gospel train’s a-comin’,Goodby.Oh, de gospel train’s a-comin’,Oh, de gospel train’s a-comin’,Oh, de gospel train’s a-comin’,Goodby.Oh, she’s comin’ ’roun’ de curve,Goodby, good by, good by.Oh, she’s comin’ ’roun’ de curve,Goodby.Oh, de train am heavy loaded,etc.Oh, sinner have you got you ticket?etc.Oh, she’s boun’ straight way to heaven,etc.Can’t you change you way o’ livin?etc.Oh, Marse Jesus am de captain,etc.Oh, de ride am free to heaven,etc.

Oh, de gospel train’s a-comin’,Goodby, good by, good by.Oh, de gospel train’s a-comin’,Goodby.

Oh, de gospel train’s a-comin’,

Goodby, good by, good by.

Oh, de gospel train’s a-comin’,

Goodby.

Oh, de gospel train’s a-comin’,Oh, de gospel train’s a-comin’,Oh, de gospel train’s a-comin’,Goodby.

Oh, de gospel train’s a-comin’,

Goodby.

Oh, she’s comin’ ’roun’ de curve,Goodby, good by, good by.Oh, she’s comin’ ’roun’ de curve,Goodby.

Oh, she’s comin’ ’roun’ de curve,

Goodby, good by, good by.

Oh, she’s comin’ ’roun’ de curve,

Goodby.

Oh, de train am heavy loaded,etc.

Oh, sinner have you got you ticket?etc.

Oh, she’s boun’ straight way to heaven,etc.

Can’t you change you way o’ livin?etc.

Oh, Marse Jesus am de captain,etc.

Oh, de ride am free to heaven,etc.

Some o’ These DaysI’m a-goin’ to cross that river Jordan,I’m a-goin’ to cross that river Jordan, hal-lu-yah!I’m a-goin’ to cross that river Jordan,I’m a-goin’ to cross that river Jordan some o’ these days.I’m a-goin’ to sit down side o’ my Jesus,I’m a-goin’ to sit down side o’ my Jesus, hal-lu-yah!I’m a-goin’ to sit down side o’ my Jesus,I’m a-goin’ to sit down side o’ my Jesus some o’ these days.I’m a-goin’ to tell him how I love him,I’m a-goin’ to tell him how I love him, hal-lu-yah!I’m a-goin’ to tell him how I love him,I’m a-goin’ to tell him how I love him some o’ these days.I’m a-goin’ to wear them golden slippers,I’m a-goin’ to wear them golden slippers, hal-lu-yah!I’m a-goin’ to wear them golden slippers,I’m a-goin’ to wear them golden slippers some o’ these days.

Some o’ These Days

I’m a-goin’ to cross that river Jordan,I’m a-goin’ to cross that river Jordan, hal-lu-yah!I’m a-goin’ to cross that river Jordan,I’m a-goin’ to cross that river Jordan some o’ these days.I’m a-goin’ to sit down side o’ my Jesus,I’m a-goin’ to sit down side o’ my Jesus, hal-lu-yah!I’m a-goin’ to sit down side o’ my Jesus,I’m a-goin’ to sit down side o’ my Jesus some o’ these days.I’m a-goin’ to tell him how I love him,I’m a-goin’ to tell him how I love him, hal-lu-yah!I’m a-goin’ to tell him how I love him,I’m a-goin’ to tell him how I love him some o’ these days.I’m a-goin’ to wear them golden slippers,I’m a-goin’ to wear them golden slippers, hal-lu-yah!I’m a-goin’ to wear them golden slippers,I’m a-goin’ to wear them golden slippers some o’ these days.

I’m a-goin’ to cross that river Jordan,

I’m a-goin’ to cross that river Jordan, hal-lu-yah!

I’m a-goin’ to cross that river Jordan,

I’m a-goin’ to cross that river Jordan some o’ these days.

I’m a-goin’ to sit down side o’ my Jesus,I’m a-goin’ to sit down side o’ my Jesus, hal-lu-yah!I’m a-goin’ to sit down side o’ my Jesus,I’m a-goin’ to sit down side o’ my Jesus some o’ these days.

I’m a-goin’ to sit down side o’ my Jesus,

I’m a-goin’ to sit down side o’ my Jesus, hal-lu-yah!

I’m a-goin’ to sit down side o’ my Jesus,

I’m a-goin’ to sit down side o’ my Jesus some o’ these days.

I’m a-goin’ to tell him how I love him,I’m a-goin’ to tell him how I love him, hal-lu-yah!I’m a-goin’ to tell him how I love him,I’m a-goin’ to tell him how I love him some o’ these days.

I’m a-goin’ to tell him how I love him,

I’m a-goin’ to tell him how I love him, hal-lu-yah!

I’m a-goin’ to tell him how I love him,

I’m a-goin’ to tell him how I love him some o’ these days.

I’m a-goin’ to wear them golden slippers,I’m a-goin’ to wear them golden slippers, hal-lu-yah!I’m a-goin’ to wear them golden slippers,I’m a-goin’ to wear them golden slippers some o’ these days.

I’m a-goin’ to wear them golden slippers,

I’m a-goin’ to wear them golden slippers, hal-lu-yah!

I’m a-goin’ to wear them golden slippers,

I’m a-goin’ to wear them golden slippers some o’ these days.

I Wants to Go to HeavenI wants to go to heaven,Jine de angels’ ban’;I wants to go to heaven,Stan’ where de angels stan’.I wants to go to heaven,Have some angel wing;I wants to go to heaven,See de Jesus King.I wants to go to heaven,Shout lak de angels shout;I wants to go to heavenAn’ walk about.I wants to go to heaven,Set in de angels’ seat;I wants to go to heaven,Eat what de angels eat.I wants to go to heaven,Weep when de angels weep;I wants to go to heavenSleep where de angels sleep.

I Wants to Go to Heaven

I wants to go to heaven,Jine de angels’ ban’;I wants to go to heaven,Stan’ where de angels stan’.I wants to go to heaven,Have some angel wing;I wants to go to heaven,See de Jesus King.I wants to go to heaven,Shout lak de angels shout;I wants to go to heavenAn’ walk about.I wants to go to heaven,Set in de angels’ seat;I wants to go to heaven,Eat what de angels eat.I wants to go to heaven,Weep when de angels weep;I wants to go to heavenSleep where de angels sleep.

I wants to go to heaven,Jine de angels’ ban’;I wants to go to heaven,Stan’ where de angels stan’.

I wants to go to heaven,

Jine de angels’ ban’;

I wants to go to heaven,

Stan’ where de angels stan’.

I wants to go to heaven,Have some angel wing;I wants to go to heaven,See de Jesus King.

I wants to go to heaven,

Have some angel wing;

I wants to go to heaven,

See de Jesus King.

I wants to go to heaven,Shout lak de angels shout;I wants to go to heavenAn’ walk about.

I wants to go to heaven,

Shout lak de angels shout;

I wants to go to heaven

An’ walk about.

I wants to go to heaven,Set in de angels’ seat;I wants to go to heaven,Eat what de angels eat.

I wants to go to heaven,

Set in de angels’ seat;

I wants to go to heaven,

Eat what de angels eat.

I wants to go to heaven,Weep when de angels weep;I wants to go to heavenSleep where de angels sleep.

I wants to go to heaven,

Weep when de angels weep;

I wants to go to heaven

Sleep where de angels sleep.

When I Git HomeGonna shout trouble overWhen I git home,Gonna shout trouble overWhen I git home.No mo’ prayin’, no mo’ dyin’When I git home,No mo’ prayin’ an’ no mo’ dyin’When I git home.Meet my fatherWhen I git home.Meet my fatherWhen I git home.Shake glad handsWhen I git home,Shake glad handsWhen I git home.Meet King JesusWhen I git home,Yes, I meets King JesusWhen I git home.

When I Git Home

Gonna shout trouble overWhen I git home,Gonna shout trouble overWhen I git home.No mo’ prayin’, no mo’ dyin’When I git home,No mo’ prayin’ an’ no mo’ dyin’When I git home.Meet my fatherWhen I git home.Meet my fatherWhen I git home.Shake glad handsWhen I git home,Shake glad handsWhen I git home.Meet King JesusWhen I git home,Yes, I meets King JesusWhen I git home.

Gonna shout trouble overWhen I git home,Gonna shout trouble overWhen I git home.

Gonna shout trouble over

When I git home,

Gonna shout trouble over

When I git home.

No mo’ prayin’, no mo’ dyin’When I git home,No mo’ prayin’ an’ no mo’ dyin’When I git home.

No mo’ prayin’, no mo’ dyin’

When I git home,

No mo’ prayin’ an’ no mo’ dyin’

When I git home.

Meet my fatherWhen I git home.Meet my fatherWhen I git home.

Meet my father

When I git home.

Meet my father

When I git home.

Shake glad handsWhen I git home,Shake glad handsWhen I git home.

Shake glad hands

When I git home,

Shake glad hands

When I git home.

Meet King JesusWhen I git home,Yes, I meets King JesusWhen I git home.

Meet King Jesus

When I git home,

Yes, I meets King Jesus

When I git home.

I’s Gonna ShineI’s gonna shineWhiter dan snow,When I gits to heavenAn’ dey meets me at de do’.Oh, shine, I will shine,How dey shine, glory shine,When I gits to heavenAn’ dey meets me at de do’.Shine, God a’-mighty shine,All de sinners shine in de row;But I’ll be de out-shinedestWhen dey meets me at de do’.Oh, shine, de brudders shine,Dey sisters shine ever mo’,When we all gits to heavenAn’ dey meets us at de do’.

I’s Gonna Shine

I’s gonna shineWhiter dan snow,When I gits to heavenAn’ dey meets me at de do’.Oh, shine, I will shine,How dey shine, glory shine,When I gits to heavenAn’ dey meets me at de do’.Shine, God a’-mighty shine,All de sinners shine in de row;But I’ll be de out-shinedestWhen dey meets me at de do’.Oh, shine, de brudders shine,Dey sisters shine ever mo’,When we all gits to heavenAn’ dey meets us at de do’.

I’s gonna shineWhiter dan snow,When I gits to heavenAn’ dey meets me at de do’.

I’s gonna shine

Whiter dan snow,

When I gits to heaven

An’ dey meets me at de do’.

Oh, shine, I will shine,How dey shine, glory shine,When I gits to heavenAn’ dey meets me at de do’.

Oh, shine, I will shine,

How dey shine, glory shine,

When I gits to heaven

An’ dey meets me at de do’.

Shine, God a’-mighty shine,All de sinners shine in de row;But I’ll be de out-shinedestWhen dey meets me at de do’.

Shine, God a’-mighty shine,

All de sinners shine in de row;

But I’ll be de out-shinedest

When dey meets me at de do’.

Oh, shine, de brudders shine,Dey sisters shine ever mo’,When we all gits to heavenAn’ dey meets us at de do’.

Oh, shine, de brudders shine,

Dey sisters shine ever mo’,

When we all gits to heaven

An’ dey meets us at de do’.

I’s Swingin’ in de Swinger[85]I’s swingin’ in de swinger,Thank God.I’s swingin’ in de swinger,Thank God.It’s a bran’ new swinger,Thank God.It’s a bran’ new swinger,Thank God,Thank God.Goin’ to swing me to heaven,Thank God.Goin’ to swing me to heaven,Thank God,Thank God.King Jesus in de swinger,Thank God.King Jesus in de swinger,Thank God,Thank God.

I’s Swingin’ in de Swinger[85]

I’s swingin’ in de swinger,Thank God.I’s swingin’ in de swinger,Thank God.It’s a bran’ new swinger,Thank God.It’s a bran’ new swinger,Thank God,Thank God.Goin’ to swing me to heaven,Thank God.Goin’ to swing me to heaven,Thank God,Thank God.King Jesus in de swinger,Thank God.King Jesus in de swinger,Thank God,Thank God.

I’s swingin’ in de swinger,Thank God.I’s swingin’ in de swinger,Thank God.

I’s swingin’ in de swinger,

Thank God.

I’s swingin’ in de swinger,

Thank God.

It’s a bran’ new swinger,Thank God.It’s a bran’ new swinger,Thank God,Thank God.

It’s a bran’ new swinger,

Thank God.

It’s a bran’ new swinger,

Thank God,

Thank God.

Goin’ to swing me to heaven,Thank God.Goin’ to swing me to heaven,Thank God,Thank God.

Goin’ to swing me to heaven,

Thank God.

Goin’ to swing me to heaven,

Thank God,

Thank God.

King Jesus in de swinger,Thank God.King Jesus in de swinger,Thank God,Thank God.

King Jesus in de swinger,

Thank God.

King Jesus in de swinger,

Thank God,

Thank God.

[85]The idea for this novel song probably came fromSwing Low, Sweet Chariot. It is another composition of Sanctified Mary Harris, as are also the two remaining songs in this chapter.

Goodby, Sing HalleluGoodby to sin an’ sorrow,Goodby, sing hallelu.Farewell, sinner, I see you no mo’,Goodby, sing hallelu.Goodby, hypocrite, you Beelzebub,Goodby, sing hallelu.I’m goin’ away, I’ll meet you in heaven,Goodby, sing hallelu.Farewell, mother, I meet you in de mawnin’,Goodby, sing hallelu.

Goodby, Sing Hallelu

Goodby to sin an’ sorrow,Goodby, sing hallelu.Farewell, sinner, I see you no mo’,Goodby, sing hallelu.Goodby, hypocrite, you Beelzebub,Goodby, sing hallelu.I’m goin’ away, I’ll meet you in heaven,Goodby, sing hallelu.Farewell, mother, I meet you in de mawnin’,Goodby, sing hallelu.

Goodby to sin an’ sorrow,Goodby, sing hallelu.

Goodby to sin an’ sorrow,

Goodby, sing hallelu.

Farewell, sinner, I see you no mo’,Goodby, sing hallelu.

Farewell, sinner, I see you no mo’,

Goodby, sing hallelu.

Goodby, hypocrite, you Beelzebub,Goodby, sing hallelu.

Goodby, hypocrite, you Beelzebub,

Goodby, sing hallelu.

I’m goin’ away, I’ll meet you in heaven,Goodby, sing hallelu.

I’m goin’ away, I’ll meet you in heaven,

Goodby, sing hallelu.

Farewell, mother, I meet you in de mawnin’,Goodby, sing hallelu.

Farewell, mother, I meet you in de mawnin’,

Goodby, sing hallelu.

I Calls My Jesus King EmanuelO King Emanuel,I calls my Jesus King Emanuel.King Emanuel, he’s a mighty ’Manuel,I calls my Jesus King Emanuel.Some calls him Jesus,But I call my Jesus King Emanuel.Because his power so great and strong,I calls my Jesus King Emanuel.

I Calls My Jesus King Emanuel

O King Emanuel,I calls my Jesus King Emanuel.King Emanuel, he’s a mighty ’Manuel,I calls my Jesus King Emanuel.Some calls him Jesus,But I call my Jesus King Emanuel.Because his power so great and strong,I calls my Jesus King Emanuel.

O King Emanuel,I calls my Jesus King Emanuel.

O King Emanuel,

I calls my Jesus King Emanuel.

King Emanuel, he’s a mighty ’Manuel,I calls my Jesus King Emanuel.

King Emanuel, he’s a mighty ’Manuel,

I calls my Jesus King Emanuel.

Some calls him Jesus,But I call my Jesus King Emanuel.

Some calls him Jesus,

But I call my Jesus King Emanuel.

Because his power so great and strong,I calls my Jesus King Emanuel.

Because his power so great and strong,

I calls my Jesus King Emanuel.

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