Avail was a punk band from Richmond, Virginia. Originally from Northern Vir… Read Full Bio ↴Avail was a punk band from Richmond, Virginia. Originally from Northern Virginia, the band formed in 1987, its members included Joe Banks, Doug Crosby, Brian Stewart and Mikey Warstler. The only original remaining member, guitar player Joe Banks, teamed up with rival band LDK's (Learning Disabled Kids) Tim Barry. They moved to Richmond in 1990, and soon, after numerous line up changes, put together a solid lineup to release their first album in 1992. Many of their lyrics center around Richmond.
Avail is on 'permanent standby' as per Tim Barry's interview on Dope Sick Radio #40. Tim mentions in the interview "let's just say it's a thing of the past"

Swing Low
Avail Lyrics

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Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home

Well, I′m sometimes up and I'm sometimes down
Coming for to carry me home
Sometimes I′m almost level with the ground

Coming for to carry me home

Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home

Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home

Overall Meaning

The song "Swing Low" is an old spiritual hymn that has been covered by various artists over time. The song is essentially about a desire to return home to God. In the first verse, the singer begs for the "sweet chariot" to come and carry them home. The "sweet chariot" is a metaphor for God's love and salvation which the singer is eagerly anticipating.

The second verse speaks about the struggles of life. The singer admits that they are sometimes up, and sometimes down. These ups and downs, also known as the vicissitudes of life, can cause feelings of despair and uncertainty. But the singer remains hopeful that the "sweet chariot" will still come and carry them home, even when they feel almost level with the ground.

Overall, "Swing Low" is a song that is full of hope and faith. It acknowledges the struggles of this life but remains confident that salvation is near.

Line by Line Meaning

Swing low, sweet chariot
Asking for a divine conveyance to take them home

Coming for to carry me home
Waiting for the divine conveyance to arrive

Well, I'm sometimes up and I'm sometimes down
Ups and downs in life's journey

Sometimes I'm almost level with the ground
Experiencing moments of defeat and lowliness

Writer(s): Public Domain, Alfred Caston

Contributed by Elizabeth F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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