Swing Low Sweet Chariot
Frances Steadman Lyrics


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I looked over Jordan and what did I see?
Comin' for to carry me home
There was a band of angels, a-comin' after me

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

I'm sometimes up, and I'm sometimes down
Comin' for to carry me home
But but I know my soul is heavenly bound
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
If you get there before I do
Comin' for to carry me home
Tell all my friends that I'm a-comin' too

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
And now they're comin' for to carry me home

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Frances Steadman's song "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" tell a story of a person looking out over Jordan and seeing a band of angels coming to carry them home. The repetition of the phrase "comin' for to carry me home" emphasizes the idea of a spiritual journey or homecoming. The imagery of a chariot, which was often used as transportation in ancient times, adds to the sense of a journey towards a better place.


The second verse acknowledges the ups and downs of life, but highlights the idea that the soul is ultimately bound for heaven. The verse continues with the refrain of "comin' for to carry me home" which serves as a reminder of the goal of the journey. The final verse mentions that the angels are indeed coming to carry the person home, and implores the listener to tell their friends that they will also be coming.


Overall, the lyrics to "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" convey a sense of hope and comfort, as well as a belief in a better afterlife. The repetition of the chorus reinforces this theme, while the use of imagery such as the chariot and angels adds to the spiritual tone of the song.


Line by Line Meaning

I looked over Jordan and what did I see? Comin' for to carry me home There was a band of angels, a-comin' after me
As I looked across the river Jordan, I saw a group of angels heading my way, coming to take me to my heavenly home.


Swing low, sweet chariot Comin' for to carry me home Swing low, sweet chariot Comin' for to carry me home
Sweet chariot, please come and take me home to heaven, where I belong.


I'm sometimes up, and I'm sometimes down Comin' for to carry me home But but I know my soul is heavenly bound Comin' for to carry me home
Though there are times when I may be feeling low, I am confident that my soul is destined for heaven and will be carried there by angels.


If you get there before I do Comin' for to carry me home Tell all my friends that I'm a-comin' too Comin' for to carry me home
If it happens that you reach heaven before I do, please let all my loved ones know that I will soon be joining them, carried there by angels.


And now they're comin' for to carry me home
The angels are now coming to take me to my final resting place in heaven.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Traditional

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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