Alton Glenn Miller (March 1, 1904–presumably December 15, 1944), was an Ame… Read Full Bio ↴Alton Glenn Miller (March 1, 1904–presumably December 15, 1944), was an American jazz musician, arranger, composer, and band leader in the swing era. He was one of the best-selling recording artists from 1939 to 1942, leading one of the best known "Big Bands". Miller's signature recordings include: "In the Mood", "Tuxedo Junction", "Chattanooga Choo Choo", "Moonlight Serenade", "Little Brown Jug", and "Pennsylvania 6-5000". He's notable as well for playing numerous times for the U.S. military. While travelling to entertain U.S. troops in France during World War II, Miller's plane disappeared in bad weather. His body was never found.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra was originally formed in 1937 by Glenn Miller. It's unique, tight and popular sound was produced by arranging for a clarinet and tenor saxophone playing melody, while three other saxophones played the harmony. Miller had already formed one band before this in 1936, but he dissolved it as he considered it too similar to other bands of the era.

After the disappearance (and presumed death) of Miller in 1944, the band was reconstituted under the direction of Tex Beneke, its lead tenor saxophonist, singer, and one of Miller's longtime close friends. A few years later, the Miller estate, having parted ways with Beneke, hired Ray McKinley, principal drummer in Miller's Army Air Force band, to organize a new "ghost band" in 1956. The group went on, playing as a tribute to Miller's memory.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra continued to record and perform under various leaders starting in 1956. It is still touring today. Currently, trombonist Larry O'Brien leads the band.

Members:

Larry O'Brien - Trombonist, musical director
Julia Rich - vocalist
Ryan Garfi - vocalist
Kevin Sheehan - Lead Alto Saxophone
Bryan Wente - Alto Saxophone
Scott Van Domelen - Tenor Saxophone
Gregory Pflugh - Tenor Saxophone
Fil Lorenz - Baritone and Alto Saxophone and Clarinet
Ashley Hall - Lead Trumpet
Stephen Forse - Trumpet
Joe Badaczewski - Trumpet
Kyle Simpson - Trumpet
George Reinert III - Lead Trombone
Chris Fortner - Trombone
Steve McCallum - Third Trombone
Jason Bennett - Bass Trombone
Nathaniel Shafer - Piano
Justin Watt - Drums
Bart Delaney - Bass

Swing Low Sweet Chariot
Glenn Miller Orchestra Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

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

Commin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Commin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot

Commin' 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
Commin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot

Commin' for to carry me home
And now they're commin' for to carry me home

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Glenn Miller and his Orchestra's "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" are steeped in religious imagery and form a well-known spiritual song. The singer is looking over Jordan and sees a band of angels coming to carry him home. The repetition of "coming for to carry me home" emphasizes the idea of going to one's heavenly reward after death. The sweet chariot mentioned in the chorus is a symbol of salvation and represents the vehicle that will transport the singer to heaven.

The second verse speaks to the singer's emotional state. Sometimes they are up and sometimes they are down, but they know that their soul is heavenly bound. This is a powerful example of hope in something greater than oneself, even during difficult times. The song concludes with the singer acknowledging that they will eventually join their friends in heaven.

Line by Line Meaning

I looked over Jordan and what did I see?
I saw a vision of a better place and a better life beyond where I currently reside.

Commin' for to carry me home
I know that one day I will be lifted up and taken to that better place.

There was a band of angels, a-commin after me
I believe that I will be accompanied on this journey by heavenly beings who are there to guide me to my destination.

Swing low, sweet chariot
I call out to the vehicle that will sweep me away from this earthly existence and into a new realm of existence.

I'm sometimes up, and I'm sometimes down
My life has been a series of ups and downs and I know that this journey will lead me to a place where I no longer have to experience such fluctuations.

But but I know my soul is heavenly bound
I have faith that my soul will be lifted up and taken to a place of eternal peace and happiness.

If you get there before I do
I acknowledge that others may join me on this journey and arrive at our destination before I do.

Tell all my friends that I'm a-comin' too
I hope that those who have been close to me will also be able to join me in this new existence.

And now they're commin' for to carry me home
I am ready and willing to be taken to my final destination, where I will be free from the trials and tribulations of my mortal life.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: FRANCESCO MOCCHI

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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