While Gayle is the younger sister of Loretta Lynn, her musical sound is very different from Lynn's. Gayle's career began as country music moved towards a more pop-oriented sound in the 1970s, as exemplified by such performers as Lynn Anderson and Barbara Mandrell. Gayle's music reflects the modern Nashville sound.
Swing Low Sweet Chariot
Crystal Gayle Lyrics
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Comin' for to carry me home
A band of angels comin' after me
Comin' for to carry me home.
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Well, If you get there before I do
Comin' for to carry me home
Tell all of my friends that I'm a-comin' too
I'm comin' for to carry me home.
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home.
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home.
Comin' for to carry me home
These lyrics tell a story of the singer's journey through life and eventual death. The first two lines describe the singer looking out over the horizon and seeing a band of angels coming for them. The singer is at peace with their death and is ready to be carried home by these angels. The phrase "comin' for to carry me home" is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the idea of being carried away to a better place.
The chorus, "Swing low, sweet chariot, comin' for to carry me home," is a reference to the Bible story of Elijah being carried away to heaven in a chariot of fire. The image of a chariot can represent a symbol of hope and a way of escaping the difficulties and hardships of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I looked over Jordan and what did I see
I gazed upon the River Jordan and saw an extraordinary sight
Comin' for to carry me home
These angels were coming to take me to heaven
A band of angels comin' after me
A host of heavenly beings were descending down to earth to transport me to paradise.
Swing low, sweet chariot
The angels were riding on a swing boat or carriage, and its smooth rhythm was soothing to my soul.
Well, if you get there before I do
In case you reach heaven ahead of me,
Tell all of my friends that I'm a-comin' too
Kindly let all my friends be aware that I'm soon to join them in heaven
Swing low, sweet chariot
May the angels continue to travel in the melodious carriage
Comin' for to carry me home
Their mission is to lead me to my final rest in life after death.
Swing low, sweet chariot
May the angels continue to transport me smoothly into eternity
Comin' for to carry me home.
For their sole purpose of conveying me across the great river and into higher abode.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: . TRADITIONAL, JOHNNY KEATING, PD TRADITIONAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind