Down To The River To Pray
Alison Krauss Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way

O sisters, let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
O sisters, let's go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way

O brothers, let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
Come on, brothers, let's go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way

O fathers, let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
O fathers, let's go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way

O mothers, let's go down
Come on down, don't you wanna go down?
Come on, mothers, let's go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way

O sinners, let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
O sinners, let's go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way




And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way

Overall Meaning

"Down to the River to Pray" is a traditional hymn that has been performed by various artists in different interpretations, including Alison Krauss, whose version was prominently featured in the film "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" In this song, the singer speaks of going down to the river to pray, studying about the "good ol' way," and asking God to show the way to those who shall wear the starry crown or the robe and crown. The purpose of this act of going down to the river to pray is not explicitly stated, but it can be interpreted as a ritual of repentance, spiritual purification, or seeking guidance and redemption.


The use of the river as a motif in this song is significant. The river has often been a symbol of cleansing, renewal, and transformation in religious and spiritual contexts. Baptism, for example, involves the immersion in water to signify the washing away of sins and the beginning of a new life. The act of going down to the river to pray may also symbolize a return to the source of life, a communion with nature, or a surrender to the divine will. Furthermore, the repeated appeals to different groups, such as sisters, brothers, fathers, mothers, and sinners, suggest that the song transcends individual concerns and speaks to a universal human longing for salvation and unity.


In summary, "Down to the River to Pray" is a hymn that combines simplicity and depth, evoking a sense of reverence and intimacy with the divine. The use of the river as a symbol of purification, the repetition of the refrain, and the communal appeal of the verses make this song a powerful expression of faith and hope.


Line by Line Meaning

As I went down in the river to pray
Reflecting upon my faith while physically submerging myself in the cleansing waters of the river


Studying about that good ol' way
Contemplating the righteous path that has been preached and followed for generations


And who shall wear the starry crown
Considering who will ascend to heaven, where they may be crowned with celestial jewels


Good Lord, show me the way
Requesting divine guidance to remain true to the path of righteousness


O sisters, let's go down
Inviting fellow female believers to join in the ritual of spiritual immersion


Let's go down, come on down
Encouraging everyone to partake in the cleansing practice


O brothers, let's go down
Urging male believers to participate in the spiritual immersion as well


Come on, brothers, let's go down
Emphasizing the importance of communal spiritual growth


O fathers, let's go down
Encouraging father figures to take part in the cleansing ritual


O mothers, let's go down
Encouraging mother figures to take part in the cleansing ritual


Come on, mothers, let's go down
Promoting inclusion and unity within the spiritual community


O sinners, let's go down
Offering a chance for redemption and salvation even for those who have strayed from the righteous path




Lyrics © HAL LEONARD LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Traditional

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

Michael Lynch


on Can't Find My Way Home

Proverbs 4:23 KJV

More Versions