Way up, way up
Way up, way up
Way up, way up
Way up
High up in Jerusalem
When I die

Way up, way up
Way up, way up
High up in Jerusalem
When I die

God knows I'm gonna
Walk in Jerusalem
Talk in Jerusalem
Sing in Jerusalem
Be in Jerusalem
High up in Jerusalem when I die

Oh, be in Jerusalem
Sing in Jerusalem
Shout in Jerusalem
Pray in Jerusalem
High up in Jerusalem when I die

Hmm, when I get down to the river
I'm gonna stick my sword in the sand
For I spy the old ship of Zion
She took a-many to the Promised Land

Way over in Buelah
Where there ain't no dying there
Where the saints shoutin' victory
Oh, they singin', Lord, everywhere

Way over in Buelah
I hear the voice of friends I've known
They been gone on, gone on to Glory
Well, well, a long time ago

They been waitin'
They been watchin'
They been waitin' at the beautiful gates
And one day I'm gonna meet them
Oh, I'm gonna sing forever more

Way over in Buelah
I see the Captain beckoned to me
Well, he's callin' all God's children
Oh, to meet him on the Promised Land

God knows I'm gonna
Walk in Jerusalem
Talk in Jerusalem
Sing in Jerusalem
Be in Jerusalem
High up, oh, in Jerusalem
When I die, oh yeah

In Jerusalem
Sing in Jerusalem
Shout in Jerusalem
Sing in Jerusalem
High up, oh, in Jerusalem
When I die

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Walk in Jerusalem" by Mahalia Jackson describe the singer's anticipation of being in the holy city of Jerusalem when she dies. The repetition of "way up" suggests a literal and spiritual ascent to the holy city. The lyrics speak of activities that the singer will do when she is in Jerusalem, such as walking, talking, singing, and praying. The repetition of these verses sets a driving beat and reinforces the singer's commitment to her faith.

The second half of the song shifts to Christian imagery of the Promised Land and alludes to the biblical story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea with Moses. The singer talks about "the old ship of Zion" which "took a-many to the Promised Land," likening her own journey towards Jerusalem to theirs. The city of Beulah is a metaphorical representation of heaven, where death does not exist and the saints are "shouting victory" and "singing Lord, everywhere." The singer hears the voices of friends who have gone before her, who she imagines as waiting for her at the "beautiful gates." The song ends with the singer believing that she will "meet the Captain" and "sing forevermore."

Overall, the song embodies the hope and belief of many Christians that they will one day reach heaven and be reunited with loved ones, singing and praising for eternity. The use of repetition, allusion, and metaphor in the lyrics contributes to this overarching message of triumph over death and everlasting joy.

Line by Line Meaning

Way up, way up
I will ascend to the highest place, up above everyone else

Way up, way up
I will continue to ascend further and further up

Way up, way up
I will reach the highest place there is to go

Way up
I will go up!

High up in Jerusalem
When I reach Jerusalem, I will go as high as I can

When I die
This will all happen when I'm no longer alive

God knows I'm gonna
I'm sure that God will help me do this

Walk in Jerusalem
I will march proudly along the streets of Jerusalem

Talk in Jerusalem
I will express my joy and excitement about being in Jerusalem

Sing in Jerusalem
I will raise my voice and sing beautiful songs when I get to Jerusalem

Be in Jerusalem
I will exist and live my life in this wonderful place

High up in Jerusalem when I die
Even though it will happen after I die, I will still end up above others in Jerusalem

Oh, be in Jerusalem
I am so excited to be in Jerusalem

Shout in Jerusalem
I will shout with joy when I get to Jerusalem

Pray in Jerusalem
I will praise the Lord and pray in Jerusalem

Hmm, when I get down to the river
When I encounter the river on my journey

I'm gonna stick my sword in the sand
I'm going to plant my sword in the sand to symbolize my journey

For I spy the old ship of Zion
I see the ship that will take me to the Promised Land

She took a-many to the Promised Land
The ship has already carried many people to the Promised Land

Way over in Buelah
In a beautiful place called Beulah

Where there ain't no dying there
A place where death doesn't exist

Where the saints shoutin' victory
A place where saints shout with joy because of their victory

Oh, they singin', Lord, everywhere
They sing beautiful songs to the Lord all around the place

I hear the voice of friends I've known
I can hear the familiar voices of friends who have passed away

They been gone on, gone on to Glory
They have already gone to Heaven

Well, well, a long time ago
It's been quite some time since they've passed away

They been waitin'
They have been patiently waiting

They been watchin'
They have been carefully observing

They been waitin' at the beautiful gates
They have been waiting at the beautiful gates of Heaven

And one day I'm gonna meet them
Someday I will meet them again

Oh, I'm gonna sing forever more
I will joyously sing forever

I see the Captain beckoned to me
I see the Captain of the ship beckoning me

Well, he's callin' all God's children
He is inviting all of God's children to come aboard

Oh, to meet him on the Promised Land
To meet him on the land where God promised to lead them

In Jerusalem
In the wonderful city of Jerusalem

High up, oh, in Jerusalem
In the highest place of Jerusalem

When I die, oh yeah
All of these wonderful things will happen even after I die because I will go to Heaven

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: MAHALIA JACKSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@MJ-tk4ll

4y↑28

All comments from YouTube:

@pedrourias7914

3y↑26

The greatest voice the world has ever known. Her music never goes out of style.

@robcarpenter1225

2y↑1

Yes. She was the greatest voice the world has ever known for sure. I am such a huge fan.

@janicereid5798

52w

I agree

@colaj2068

11y↑29

We played this at my mom's funeral 3 years ago this month. Mama was so full of life and this song was perfect. We all love and miss you Mama.

@BrookieK87

God bless your mother and you and you all families in Jesus Christ 🩸 and name

@kinglevi6878

My Grandma had a little radio on the kitchen table where I ate my breakfast before school and songs like this was playing. Thank you "BOO"! Love you always

@lisaguy1860

6y↑57

LAWD THIS WOMAN SUNG HER WAY TO HEAVEN!!!!!

@oldermusiclover

@Louise X never knew she wrote this either

@jayonnaj18

3y↑2

Sis Mahalia was a believer in Jesus Christ, her soul was anchored in him, and her phenomenal singing voice shows it! Glory!

@markjhallesq

@ramonbradley9792

dont know if you guys gives a damn but if you're bored like me during the covid times you can stream all the latest movies on InstaFlixxer. Have been streaming with my girlfriend lately xD

@callenjulian9415

@Ramon Bradley yea, I have been watching on InstaFlixxer for years myself =)

@kimyselfandi

4y↑16

Blasting in my car like it's the latest jam lol Penetrates straight thru to the soul

@inspiration504

14y↑3

I was at a funeral yesterday, and the guest soloist sang this song. And I must say, this was a true funeral celebration, in addition, this song was sung so greatly, that I had to look it up.... only to find Mahalia Jackson the original singer of it, which made it even greater....just love it!

@charlesdotson4766

5y↑8

Mahalia brings me to tears! The power, spirit, dialect, and her undeniable ability to communicate goes straight to the heart and soul.

@loveblue2

12y↑3

I remember first hearing Mahalia Jackson's voice when I was a small child. No one had to explain to me that voices like that don't come along very often. I first heard 'Walk in Jerusalem' watching the movie "The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood". I thought, "...oh, man...there's that voice again!" This song reminds me of my late grandmother, in particular. She was one of those good ol' southern saints. Also missing my beloved mom. Love and miss you both!

@DIAMONDBIRD4

The Waco biplane stuck with me. Loved this song on that movie.

@deniskraskovic

26w↑1

The greatest soul singer that I ever heard. Beautiful. The top! Thank You Mahalia Jackson, the biggest legend of music in America. In Europe we have Luciano Pavarotti.. Fantastic dear Mahalia, just love and Jesus!

@DEJones-et5hd

5y↑9

Mahalia Jackson's singing and her songs is just as powerful and inspirational today in 2019 as they were back in the day(the 1940's up to 1970's)

@moseszulu7178

7y↑10

Simply beautiful music. Effortless. Discovering Mahalia's music in one's life time is a blessing

@blancabalderas9513

3y↑1

NO ONE comes close to this Lady

@emmettglasper1611

3y↑3

Mahalia,s singing will help keep you on the right track, in realizing that this life isn't all there is

.

@tamiairvin4531

3y↑2

I never get tired of Mahalia

@antonioevans8565

29w↑1

The only and one Queen of Gospel

@phillipmckie4913

10y↑44

The beat, the timing, the singing, the voice the woman all for the Glory of the lord. Amen!

@ronaldwilson4353

3y↑1

The band is bringing it....listen to the guitar, the upright bass and Billy Preston on the organ, that band was tight

@phillipmckie4913

@@ronaldwilson4353 They did miss a tempo. Spectacular

@markherron1407

26w↑1

Happy Birthday to Mahalia Jackson REST IN POWER Blessings and Hugs 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

@roses4me451

9y↑10

This is one of my favorites of Mahalia Jackson!!!! Yes, we're gonna walk in Jerusalem, talk, sing, pray, jump and shout!!! These songs is what kept people during hard times. I love the musicians and background singers! Real gospel music and singers. Now....you can't tell a gospel song from a secular song. They sound to much alike. Everybody "twerkin" in the choir stand. Come down Father, and set the record straight. Come quick!!!!

@LeaH-mf8ck

Yes, this variety of gospel is truly rare now, which is greatly unfortunate. You can hear the joy, the devotion, the love for our Lord in every syllable that she sang. That's something that is simply not that common these days, and it saddens me. And, the churches that I've attended sang as though they felt nothing, sang with little to no emotion... I must say that it bothers me very much. When we sing to the Lord, it is about REJOICING, about PRAISE TO THE LORD, and yet many in church sing as though the words aren't anything special. We need more people like Miss Jackson, that's for sure!

@jennifursun3303

9y↑2

Busty bunny mine too wish i could have met thqt great lady so glad mylate dad exposed me to this voice

@jennifursun3303

9y↑1

Lea H AMEN

@kcope001

12y↑13

Yes, I love that picture. Those are two artists that you don't normally associate with one another but people forget how much Elvis loved gospel music, ESPECIALLY black gospel. He was from Mississippi, after all.

@minorityeconomicdevelopmen2281

4y↑1

Well said, you are right about Elvis. But what you don't realize Mahalia Jackson is a pure, descendant of the Lost Children of Israel, so is many Black Americans. Jeremiah 14:2... Solomon 1:5 KJV The world cannot lie and hide who we are anymore.

@rlee6052

4y↑1

@@minorityeconomicdevelopmen2281 I believe it. Black people definitely seem to be filled with the holy spirit. I assumed it was because they have endured so much suffering

@BrookieK87

@@rlee6052 AMEN🩸❤️🙌🏾😭🎉ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR LORD AND SAIVOR AND BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT TOO!!!!🙌🏾❤️🩸🤩

@sheltv100

12y↑2

I remember when I was 8 I first learned of Mahalia Jackson, this was the first song I heard from her. When I was 8 I used to think that Mahalia Jackson was the woman who played Louise Jefferson on The Jeffersons. But when I grew up I learned that The Jeffersons was aired in 1975 and Mahalia Jackson died in 1972.

@tmoore7049

1y↑2

QUEEN OF GOSPEL ♥️♥️♥️🙏

@larrywilliams6648

2y↑1

Come what may Lord God!! You are still in control of everything!

@brendagray2725

7y↑18

Lord have mercy!!!! This lady had a powerful voice that my late mother could match her voice. Mahalia, was a gife from God Almighty and so was my mother m m may they both rest in peace.

@deejohnson4793

Bless her heart, Muhammad!

@myrtlew.ferrande1509

Wonderful voice

@brendagray4958

@@myrtlew.ferrande1509 yes ma'am God i miss my mother😪

@brendagray4958

@@deejohnson4793 thank you😊

@brendagray4958

I know but they're in a much better place.😊

@subt2568

13y↑1

MJ is testimony that there is a God. Her voice is the most powerful I have ever heard and watching her videos it appears effortless watching that power come from her when she sings. I love Mariah, Whitney, and Celine but combined none of them can sing like her. I have been in church since i have heard her voice she is truly a tool of God and she has been gone for over 30 years.

@LeaH-mf8ck

9y↑30

Miss Jackson's talent was beyond compare, and I am so glad to have stumbled upon her wonderful gospel music last year; it lightens my heart and I can feel the timbre of her powerful voice in the very depths of my very soul.

May she rest in peace and forever remain in our memories.

@jennifursun3303

9y↑5

Lea H wish she had been treated better on this earth

@thesandsie13the2nd

7y↑2

i would have loved to see her do her thing in concert. but because of youtube the world will be uplifted by this angels spirit & voice

@jacquelinehubbard6702

4y↑5

I want to meet my Redeemer but
I sure look forward to her voice in the Heavenly Choir

@TheBbinca

14y↑1

Trying to sit down..had to get my shout on! Hallelujah to the King! That was so joy-filled and soulful. Sing, Mahalia, sing!

@KittiesJason

15y↑15

My beautiful grandmother,...the late, great Ann Seals sang with Mahalia Jackson in the late 60's early 70's,...and even released a couple of gospel albums of her own,...but her career never took off the way we'd hoped,...but to hear my grandmother's beautiful voice,...bearing great resemblance to Ms. Jacksons' mind you,....well,....my grandmother left you breathless and closer to God,....(I love you Mama Ann!) Smile

@chuckhockey9632

Post them on YouTube

@shaunarobinson4816

34w

Oh my what an amazing voice. Love this song🎉

@prupucci

11y↑21

Oh my... She sang with such happiness and fire!!!

@ladyg1284

15w

GREATEST SINGER OF ALL TIME!!!!

@murrayturtle0372

12y↑2

Praying this peace for my mother who is on her way soon

@DIAMONDBIRD4

8y↑10

love this song! 1st heard it on Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood & seeing that Waco biplane take to the skies. Beautiful!

@jeweljackson9391

3y↑1

Yes That's My Movie I Was Introduced To This Song From That Movie I Love That Part With Sidda And Ashley Judd Flying In That Plane That Song Always Matched That Scene And Now I Am Finally Listening P.s I Thought I Would Be The Only One That Knew About This Movie But I See I'm Not 🙌🙏💖

@Mftjan2000

Wasn't that scene incredible! Flying over...

@ronaldwilson2401

6y↑16

Way over in Beulah, I hear voice of friends I've known, they been gone up to Glory a long time ago. They've been waiting, they've been watching, they've been waiting at the Beautiful Gate,and one day I'm gonna meet them and sing forevermore. I'm gonna walk in Jerusalem,praise God.

@thessaloniasmith7475

5y↑1

Sing Mother Jackson

@SerafEnd

❤️

@angelenestewart715

4y↑2

Wow O remember my parents listening to her in 50! What a voice

@starsingingcos

15y↑2

This is one of my favorite songs, I found it about two years ago when I got into this kind of music. It always calms me.

@MzLizKent

13y

This song is what I played at my daughters birthday parties for musical chairs, its perfect and the kids got a good dose of super star Mahalia singing one of my favorites.

@DYNODRUM

15y↑3

What a Great picture of Mahalia w/ Elvis and Brabara McNAIR.......

@codyanderson2495

I used to sing in the church choir at Pilgrim Valley Baptist Church here in Fort Worth. One day my car director said this in front of everybody at church. We may not have another Whitney Houston and Mahalia Jackson here but everybody can sing. I knew he was talking about me and I really burst out singing this song. Praise Him!

@111260jg

12y↑15

u can feel the spirit of the most high through her singing.

@tyroneepps3018

3y↑2

👍 album !

@vandodsom420

3y↑1

This is real down home church music

@1crusaderrabbit

14y↑1

If this doesn't give you goosebumps, nothing will.

@edcjke

15y↑1

Miss Mahalia RIP I so love you and you are the very best....never again will we hear anything like this blessed woman of God.......Walkin Mahalia Talkin Mahalia! Can you feel it!!!!!!!!!!!That's what I'm talkin'

@elaineogilvie517

Greatest of the best best of the
Mahalia Jackson

@msladybirddream3451

6y↑6

Mahalia Rest in Peace ❤ Never forgotten. Amen ❤

@773SleepyHollow

12y↑1

Same here... not a Christian (not religious at all in fact), but I recognize great music when I hear it.

@principealvarezperez2576

11y↑4

i want to love God and serve him wholeheartedly..i love this song,and indeed i wanna walk and stay in Jerusalem

@eddingtonj9909

5y↑1

Rather Mahayla knew it or not, our slave ancestors was singing through her. The yearning of our rightful home in Zion. Praise be to our God of Israel.

@tornickin

14y↑3

You gotta be clapping your hands, tapping your foot, or at least bobbing your head, snapping your fingers or something! I defy you to be completely still while this woman tears this song up! Amen!! :)

@yahwehsgirl4084

tornickin what you say im on my to Jerusalem

@charlenewilliams5517

She is my favorite gospel singer

@MJ-tk4ll

4y↑28

@alekssimovic34

6y↑2

So much soul .

@jholyghosthead

14y↑1

OMG! this is one of my favorites by mahalia! i was always upset cuz the song was just too short!!!! lol

@noelleeper8466

9y↑3

The Pure In Heart Shall SEE God When Mahalia Jackson Sang Heaven Escape Into The Air Waves By Her God Given Gift Very Anointed !

@oliveramitrovic8252

2y↑2

Great!!!! : )

@neppah5

Still here, 3/12/22. Could listen all day and night! Can't get enough, YES! THANK YOU GOD FOR YOUR SWEET SON JESUS!!

@jeanehking3736

17w

Beautiful

@ladale501

8y↑9

Wow! Did This Bring back So wonderful memories.

@agencyconsultants77

In 2020 still going strong. RIP

@deemitchell7987

Such an amazing voice. True Gospel. She was awesome!

@Crtnmn

6y↑1

SWEET JESUS DELIVER US. I WANT TO HEAR THIS LIVE IN JERUSALEM! HALLELUJAH

@janpaullubek7954

6y↑1

MAHALIA JACKSON'S SIGNATURE SONG, IT ROCKS!!!

@lilemomeyboss2540

8y↑7

this is a beautiful song so touching

@BrookieK87

2y↑1

THIS SONG MAKES ME PRAISE GOD OF ABRAHAM ISAAC AND JACOB AND JESUS CHRIST AND THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR ETERNITY!!!! PLUS THIS SONG IS SO POWERFUL AND MAKES ME 😭 OF TEARS OF JOY BECAUSE I CANNOT WAIT TO WE ALL BE WITH OUR LORD AND SAIVOR JESUS CHRIST IN HEAVEN🙌🏾🩸❤️🎉🥰🤩!!!!!!!NOTHING BUT GOD!!!🙌🏾🩸❤️🎉🤩🥰😭😭😭🎉🎉🎉🎉

@TheBambieyes

13y↑12

I feel like Im too young to like this song, but I do..........:)

@dorianthompson7021

6y↑2

Tasha Shields this was my granny’s favorite song they song it at her funeral yesterday I get sad when I hear this song now

@foxyboop4164

6y↑3

Never too young to recognize good music!

@phillipmckie4913

4y↑2

You don't need to be young or old. All you need is a soul.

@oldermusiclover

4y↑1

youth has nothing to do with it, i grew up with this voice I love it still

@Yktv.andre413

4y↑1

I'm only 16 and love all mahalia's music

@bnicolegadson

12y

LORD HAVE MERCY ! I AM SO LATE! I WAS LOOKING FOR THIS SONG FOREVER! EVERY SINCE I HEARD IT IN THE YA YA SISTERHOOD!! BABY! GO AHEAD!!!! I LOVE IT!

@amoyreid9844

8y↑4

we sang this at convention and i fell nlove with this song lord it nice in jeruselem

@twirlinboy

15y↑1

Undoubtedly the best. She always brings me closer to God.

@vwalker58

7y↑3

She is The Queen in Gospel! Powerful Voice!!!

@eBellz11

12y

Mahalia is my #1 favorite singer. She was and is an amazing gift to the world.

@markseals9984

Everytime I listen to this song, my feet get to moving and I just feel like doing something. Great God this is incredible music and singing

@antonioevans8565

29w

Mines to

@oldjesusfreak1

15y

you are sooooo right !!!! can you imagine these two singing together?!?!?!? oh, i wish.....

@sharonr.6612

2y↑1

YEAH WAY UP.KEEP LOOKING UP..HE WILL BE COMING BK😊😊😊

@shane802

9y↑14

Talented woman of God!

@MrMbell2

13y↑1

I first heard this song in the movie Divine Secrets Of The Ya Ya Sisterhood, starring actress Sandra Bullock. I knew I had to hear this song again after that.

@douglasjones5880

We are God's good Angels, just have to get in step with Him..

@naenaebeatty6069

5y↑1

I CAN FEEL THIS SONG

@sharonr.6612

3y↑1

YYEAH.TAKE ME THERE

@charice22

15y↑1

YESSSS!!! that's where i first heard it!!!! so awesome :)

@callaway729able

5y↑3

SANG IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@pastorgilmarcaetano

14y↑2

ela foi formidavel em sua forme de cantar e mostra para o mundo a musica de Deus. Que pena que talentos assim parece que desapareceram da terra. O pessoal daquela epoca e que escutava musica boa.

@felecialynn528

7y↑5

Still my favorite!

@InfoArtistJK

5y↑1

Hot worship!

@oldermusiclover

Love this song, voice, organ and bass singer on this video

@charlinebuckery1148

7y↑6

I love Mahalia Jackson fan

@vandodson8748

This is real church music good old footstompen shouting music.

@michele2855

Doing the glory dance before the Lord!!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾

@Saidindia

3y↑1

4/2021yr Yes!

@baileymichelle24

11y↑1

Great song

@cleophusjames9568

3y↑1

trop bon ce gospel, mon préféré !

@moniquethornton1850

7y↑5

THAT GOOD OLD-CHURCH 🎶

@keninhablack

13y

nossa como ela cantava super bem amo as musicas dela a voz entao nem se fala ,pego muitas tecnicas dela !!!mahalia vc é muito especial para o mundo da musica gospel....

@acajudi100

9y↑2

thank you .

@sarge2906

14y

this song kicks me in the butt every time!

@RapbiBenIsrael

10y↑3

All esteem to YAHUAH through Yahusha (Jesus)!!! Yerushalayim (Jerusalem)

@kindnesslove2271

6y↑1

LORD I AM GOING TO MAKE TO HEAVEN. BECAUSE I'M HEAVEN BOUND. AS I WANT TO BE THERE WITH YOU AND HEAR ALL THESE BEAUTIFUL SINGING.

@BrookieK87

READ Ephesians chapter 2:8-10! It is only by the free gift from GOD! called GRACE! in other words! By accepting JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR!!❤️🥰🎉🎉🩸Also remember to REPENT DAILY!! GOD BLESS YOU!! SEE YOU IN HEAVEN IF THE LORD WILL!!!🥰🙌🏾🎉🩸❤️🤩

@mcfalcaojazzbass489

Amo essa música...maravilhosa.

@nyeshamclilly7524

49w

Joyful 💚👑🌈👑🕊🌅 sabbath 💖

@MrMbell2

13y

@MUZIKNFILMZ Aww man! I was hoping nobody else new about this song being played in that movie. I typed in the same statement like you do. Oh well. I enjoy this song so much, it lifts my spirit.