Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah

The river is deep and the river is wide, hallelujah
Green pastures on the other side, hallelujah

Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah

Jordan's river is chilly and cold, hallelujah
Chills the body but not the soul, hallelujah

Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah

The river is deep and the river is wide, hallelujah
Milk and honey on the other side, hallelujah

Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah

Overall Meaning

The song "Michael Row Your Boat Ashore" is a traditional African American spiritual that became popular during the civil rights movement of the 1960s. It is believed to have originated as a work song that was sung by slaves along the Mississippi River. The song tells of Michael, who is rowing a boat across a deep and wide river with the help of his sister, and their hope to reach the other side where there are green pastures, milk and honey. The river is also said to represent the Jordan River which symbolizes a passage to freedom and the afterlife.

The repetition of "hallelujah" is significant in that it is a common exclamation in African American worship and is an expression of joy and gratitude. The lyrics also speak to the hardships and struggles of African Americans and their longing for a better life. The calming and repetitive nature of the song suggests the use of music to ease the burden of hard labor and convey a sense of hope that one day things will be better.

Line by Line Meaning

Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
The singer urges Michael to row the boat, praising the Lord.

Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah
The singer asks Michael's sister to assist in adjusting the sail to make it easier for Michael to steer the boat.

The river is deep and the river is wide, hallelujah
The river is a challenging obstacle to overcome, but the singer still praises the Lord for His help.

Green pastures on the other side, hallelujah
The other side of the river offers a peaceful and prosperous destination where Michael and his companions' needs will be met.

Jordan's river is chilly and cold, hallelujah
The water of the river is cold and uncomfortable to traverse, but the singer still praises the Lord for His guidance.

Chills the body but not the soul, hallelujah
Although the cold water may make the travelers' physical bodies uncomfortable, their souls will remain steadfast and unharmed.

The river is deep and the river is wide, hallelujah
Again, the singer acknowledges the difficulty of crossing the river but still praises the Lord for His strength.

Milk and honey on the other side, hallelujah
The destination on the other side of the river will be bountiful, offering abundance and contentment.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVID FISHER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@63DW89A

7w↑6

Among the many great versions of "Michael, Row The Boat Ashore", this version by "The Highwaymen" has always been my favorite, ever since I first heard it as a 1st grader back in 1962!

@nbenefiel

32w↑6

Back in 1971, I was on a bus going from Vienna to Budapest. You still had to have a visa. The bus was full of kids from all over. Someone started to sing this and everyone joined in. We sang American folk songs all the way to Budapest.

@BardinoH

8w↑4

Song was released in September 1960, one month before my 6th birthday, and I absolutely loved it ❤️ ♥️ 🙌

@michaeltuz608

2y↑70

I was six years old when this became a hit for the Highwaymen, and at the time was thrilled to hear my name in the title and lyrics of this lovely folk tune! It's still one of my favorites...

@lilajagears8317

2y↑6

I was 5.

@helloimfriendly2324

2y↑3

Im sorry if i ask this how old are you now sir?

@markfink2886

2y↑4

My younger brothers name is Mike , my grandmother would play this song for me and I would get a kick out of hearing his name

@MrAfterglow

1y↑1

They certainly made great music then Michael, I wish on ways I was around then to see it, good memories you have of this one 😉👍

@josephaylward6080

38w↑1

Michael my brothers name is Michael also I love playing on the guitar it brings back so many beautiful memories Michael GODBLESS YOU GREATLY

4 More Replies...

@rocksinger45

2y↑13

Thank you Ed Sullivan for Preserving this song for future generations to view and enjoy

@jessenone3708

2y↑10

as i was marching in boot camp back in 69 out drill sgt. fresh back from vietnam had us sing this song. I wasn't a christian at the time but thought it was strange that he wanted us to sing it which we did.

@martinluckhurst9808

44w

He was probably reminiscing about his buddies who didn't make it back. A tribute to them? Thank god my older brother made it back home.

@JoeOmarGonzales

when i was in bootcamp Navy San Diego, i went to catholic church on Sunday just to get away and then we sang this song which moved me.... peace i am a vietnam era vet

@jessenone3708

@@JoeOmarGonzales I remember going to a cahtlic service in boot camp just to get away from thye drill sgts.

@raiden6156

15w↑5

This is the most beautiful song I have ever heard in my life.

@josephasner171

13w

raiden6156 i feel the same way.

@mistery-ed7900

2y↑16

One of those "gotta love this" songs.

@drjwthomas

48w↑5

It reminds me of going Home to be with my Lord Jesus Christ.

@oldermusiclover

1y↑16

never get tired of hearing this version of this song

@shyman99

2y↑37

Massive and memorable #1 hit from the prior year in 1961. Love this song and video!!!

@recordguy4321

2y↑16

1962 was an interesting year for pop music. You had folk/Hootenanny, Girl group, surf instrumental, male and female pop vocalists , early soul,and even a little country/pop. AM radio was buzzin.

@PistonBroke0001

2y↑2

With the Beatles right around the corner.

@wilsonnperez2101

This song is from 1961!

@60Cascade

@@wilsonnperez2101 The clip is from 1962.

@user-pm8ul8he8l

40w↑5

I was at Great lakes in boot camp when this became a hit. It'll always be special to me.

@brianpowell7416

34w↑4

I agree with the others----THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS SONG AND VIDEO. Honestly, in 1962 this song would have meant nothing to me, because I was not a Christian. Now that I am a Christian, Jesus Christ means everything to me. He is very much so real. Today, I can really appreciate this song, and I love it! Again, thank you for taking the time and trouble to bless us with it. I am grateful to you.

@JoeOmarGonzales

8w↑2

we sang this in Church on Sunday, I was in bootcamp Navy San Diego, little did I know I looked forward to sing it every Sunday, I just turned 70 and love and hum this song.....

@yummybaconandeggs8804

35w↑3

I was 4 when this came out in 1961. I had totally forgotten it, yet the memory is still strong when reminded. Why am I thinking of Atticus Finch..

@graziellaserafin1045

Hi, it brings me back to my 5 year old...my father had their LP.... and today I went back in memories 😮😮😮😮. Oh how I loved MICHAEL this song is unique. AND I REMEMBER ALL THE LYRICS 😂😂😂 . So, so many memories 😢😢😢 can any one tell me all their names pls.....🫂 thank you so much.😊

@Hundert1

26w↑3

Praise God for our salvation 🙏🏻✝️

@shyman99

2y↑20

The gentleman soloing at 1:15 is Stephen Trott, who is the Senior Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

@1111makala

2y↑7

When he left to go to Harvard Law, Actor Tim Robbins father Gil, replaced him.

@jenv9782

What? The infamous Ninth Circuit?

@bobbyhanly3466

33w↑5

Sends shivers down my spine. My son sings it all the time. Beautiful.

@JoeOmarGonzales

its a very moving song...

@that70sgirl90

2y↑20

This Beautiful song always takes me back to my Sunday school days. We would sing songs in our Sunday school class every Sunday. This had to one of my favorites! Beautiful memories... thank you for sharing! 💖

@takearight.

6w↑1

Too beautiful for words.. I play this on my keyboard..

@MrMace224

1y↑7

Love the way the guitars fall in with the whistling.

@davidjhitztaler-mrrocklight

13w↑2

Great ❤

@cowboys4life956

2y↑25

Love this song so much, I love the whistling as its ending on the actual recording. Such a beautiful and haunting melody and of course their harmonies as well.

@kareneverett125

37w↑4

ALWAYS LOVED THIS SONG ❤❤❤❤❤

@jerryschaecher7880

21w

I agree!

@Idelia412

10w↑1

We had just moved from Seattle and I remember this song from the summer of 1961, when it was number 1 on KJR radio in Seattle. A true Gem!

@dennismccann440

12w↑1

Folk music holds an appeal matched by none other. Anyone can imagine playing and singing alone as well as the performers and all camp fires have everyone who can .

@frederickwise5238

17w↑1

At the first whistle, Im immediately transported back to my Navy barracks on Guam, Sep of '61, just turned 26. Someone on the other side of the big row of lockers put the album on his record player. Later an album by the Ventures. I think the PX had just gotten a shipment from the states.
Nostalgia. After the music I went out and sat on the back steps listening to the jungle sounds and watching my 54 Buick rust away. 😊

@thomashaueter9675

2y↑12

A true classic!

@greenbeagle13

1y↑4

Except for the whistling part, this was beautifully done. I remember this from back in the day. I'd like to go back to those days...

@stargirlzx

I hate whistling. It goes right thru me. Like mails on a chalkboard

@tj921able

2y↑12

Wonderful song. I love their smooth, easy way of performing it. Thank you for sharing this.

@williamoxendine6121

23w↑1

I was 14 when I hear reminds me of my family all gone hard time but good memories in Cotten fields tobacco fields there was love working they have gone to a better place they knew the Lord as their savior

@RobertHersh-zc1ff

45w↑3

Lovely soulful harmony's. Human sounding

@TomElvisSmith

2y↑31

This song was a number 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 for the Highwaymen during the previous year before this performance. Not only that, but it also got to number 1 on the Adult Contemporary chat and on the UK Singles chart, so it was a big one. Thank you for posting this!

@joycemacduff626

2y↑3

I remeber this song being played everywhere.

@joycemacduff626

2y↑2

Reminds me of Judy Collins’ Anazing Grace, also a big hit back then❤️

@nicadair7700

The original sounds great in stereo, this arrangement is poor with the verses and chorus being sung in the wrong order, such a shame.

@annn.3615

🧡🧡🧡🧡

@paigecanteen5960

2y↑5

Anyone reading “Where the Crawdads Sing” came here to see how this song actually sounds 😂

@3Pitous

2y↑1

Thank you . What a memory ! A shortened version of the song but... who cares ?

@hiyes723

48w↑4

This is the meaning of a real song, unlike what our generation is experiencing

@user-lk5kz5ss1b

31w

I was jr.high school student
when I heard this song.
I was very impressd.

@johnsampson1096

30w

I was born on Sept 4, 1948. Had just turned 13 when this hit #1 on Billboard. (Now 75.)

@user-vm4gv3xv6e

2y↑2

조회수 3,228회... 잘 보고 들었습니다.

@lonestarfriend

2y↑2

Amen.

@shazam5066

2y↑3

Wonderfull

@muuchansound

2y↑1

Great.

@nancychartrand7808

Was the song the day i was born

@evvy..0

50w

my favorite camp song 💘

@jenv9782

1y↑3

When you look at the views, it just goes to show where our values are since the current vulgar music videos have almost a billion views.

@rickgonzales6829

8w↑1

When music inspired your soul, not your hormones.

@PeterChoyce

13w

it doesn't say but i believe this song was in the public domain- originally an old Gospel song from 100 years ago

@mimirudow8550

43w

Guitar player slightly lower left from top is father of one of The “Crykle”trio and even explains they had nearly identical face, features ears, whole look😀

@cristianramirez9148

1y↑2

Song that comes from Gullah culture?

Greetings from Chile, South America.

@multicaruana

It's backl!!!

@jennyrose9454

2y↑1

Nice. I also heard a version by the Jordanaires.

@michael7286

I rowed the Boat Ashore :)

@wingobingo

2y↑1

Compressed into thirty seconds
Let’s give a big hand
Next

@babyboomer9560

2y↑10

Great example of the cultural decay over the last 60years. Look at the top songs today….gansta rap!

@Average_Marvin

46w

Facts!

@multicaruana

2y↑3

Would someone kindly identify the five members of the Highwaymen in this video? THANKS!

@allenf.5907

1y↑3

Yes - the three leads in order are Steve Butts (also whistler), Chan Daniels, Steve Trott. Other members are Dave Fisher and Bob Burnett.

@TankHank-kd2iq

1y↑1

Cornelius “Snuffy” Bunz - synthesizer

@user-px5nz9nv6z

18w

Tokyo Blues de Haruki Murakami...

@Edward1312

44w

I'm assuming that the Michael that is referred to in the song is St Michael?

@swarbhanughosh

13w

Jar ekta naam...Anjan Dutt..

@quickdraw42

1y↑1

what are the names of the above singers? does anybody know?

@allenf.5907

1y↑1

Singing lead are Steve Butts, Chan Daniels and Steve Trott here. With Dave Fisher and Bob Burnett also in the mix.

@malu1979

27w

My name is Leonardo.

@antoniobryant7778

38w↑1

Who here from SpongeBob 😂😂

@Helo_rides_for_commies

20w

Why is there a sail on a row boat? Or is Michael rowing a sailboat?

@gilsinan

Good song but I guess we didn't tune to A440 back then :)

@Soundtech-xr5ei

Any relation to this group Highwaymen to the Highwaymen that included Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Kris

@scotthouston3607

No.

@vincentfromia

43w

From an article I read: these Highwaymen - with the exception of Chan Daniels who died young - got together for some later reunion concerts and still owned the rights to the name. When the Jennings, Cash, Nelson, Kristofferson group began performing under that name - which was taken from the Jimmy Webb song that they sang - the original Highwaymen sued the later group. It was settled amicably with the country stars agreeing that the folk singers had the rights to the name and the folk singers giving the country group a waiver to use it and BOTH groups appearing in a concert together in Hollywood. Pretty cool!

@vincentfromia

43w

BTW to confuse this even more, the original Highwaymen broke up in 1964 (I think) as 4 of the members went on to pursue other careers, but Dave Fisher stayed on as Music Director, hiring 4 other singers to be The Highwaymen, making concert and TV appearances and recording 2 more LPs. I think this is the only You Tube live clip of the original 5.