Swing Low Sweet Chariot
Apollo Jubilee Quartette Lyrics

The Apollo Jubilee Quartette's "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" is a gospel song that is widely believed to be a coded expression of the Underground Railroad during the 19th century. The song portrays an image of a chariot that is descending to carry the singer home to heaven. The singer speaks of being up and down, going through difficult times, but ultimately having a soul that feels heavenly bound. This emphasizes the African American struggle for freedom from slavery and the desire for a better afterlife.

The chorus of the song repeats several times in a manner that is reminiscent of a call and response, a style that was common in African American spirituals. The "swing low" portion of the chorus suggests the descending motion of the chariot, while the "sweet chariot" is a symbol of hope for freedom and the end of their earthly suffering. The verse that follows the chorus suggests that the hope for freedom was real and the freedom seekers believed that they could succeed in their quest for freedom.

Overall, this song speaks directly to the hope that African Americans had for a time when they could be free from systemic oppression and racism. "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" is a song that is still sung today in religious and secular settings, including sporting events.