IIIrd Time Out is a bluegrass band, formed in 1991 in Cumming, Georgia. Con… Read Full Bio ↴IIIrd Time Out is a bluegrass band, formed in 1991 in Cumming, Georgia. Consisting of Russell Moore (lead vocals and guitar), Steve Dilling (vocals and banjo), Justen Haynes (vocals and fiddle), Wayne Benson (vocals and mandolin) and Edgar Loudermilk (vocals and bass), the band has released eleven albums and two greatest hits collections since 1991.

Swing Low Sweet Chariot
IIIrd Tyme Out Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

|: Swing low, sweet chariot,
Comin' for to carry me home! :|
I looked over Jordan and what did I see,
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! :|

If you get there before I do,
Comin' for to carry me home,
Jess tell my friends that I'm acomin' too,
Comin' for to carry me home.

|: Swing low, sweet chariot,
Comin' for to carry me home! :|

I'm sometimes up and sometimes down,
Comin' for to carry me home,

But still my soul feels heavenly bound
Comin' for to carry me home!

Overall Meaning

The song "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" by IIIrd Tyme Out is a tribute to the biblical story of Elijah's ascension into heaven. The song speaks of a person who has passed away and is waiting for a chariot, which represents a peaceful death and entrance into heaven. The lyrics "Swing low, sweet chariot, comin' for to carry me home!" repeat throughout the entire song, suggesting hope and anticipation for the end of the mortal journey.

The second verse, "I looked over Jordan and what did I see, Comin' for to carry me home! A band of angels comin' after me, Comin' for to carry me home!" describes the arrival of angels that signal the beginning of the journey to the afterlife. The lyrics also suggest that the deceased person has lived a good life and is deserving of entering heaven.

The third verse, "If you get there before I do, Comin' for to carry me home, Jess tell my friends that I'm acomin' too, Comin' for to carry me home" is a message to those who remain living that the person who has passed will join them soon, evoking a sense of community and camaraderie.

The final verse, "I'm sometimes up and sometimes down, Comin' for to carry me home, But still my soul feels heavenly bound, Comin' for to carry me home!" is a reaffirmation of the person's faith and commitment to the journey of the afterlife. While life may have had its ups and downs, the soul remains steadfast and ready to enter heaven.

Line by Line Meaning

Swing low, sweet chariot,
The singer expresses their desire to be taken home on a sweet chariot that swings low.

Comin' for to carry me home!
The singer believes that someone or something is coming to take them home soon.

I looked over Jordan and what did I see,
The singer looked towards Jordan and saw something significant.

Comin' for to carry me home!
The same thing or person that is coming to take the artist home is also coming towards Jordan.

A band of angels comin' after me,
The artist sees a group of angels who are moving towards them.

Comin' for to carry me home!
These angels are also coming to take the singer home.

If you get there before I do,
The singer is telling someone that if they reach home before them.

Comin' for to carry me home,
They should let their friends know that the artist is also coming soon to be carried home.

Jess tell my friends that I'm acomin' too,
The artist asks someone named Jess to inform their friends that they will soon arrive home.

Comin' for to carry me home.
The same thing or person that is coming to carry the artist home is mentioned again.

I'm sometimes up and sometimes down,
The singer acknowledges that their mood and feelings sometimes fluctuate.

Comin' for to carry me home,
Despite the ups and downs, the artist still believes that they will soon be taken home.

But still my soul feels heavenly bound
The singer's soul feels bound to heaven, perhaps indicating their desire to go there.

Comin' for to carry me home!
The repeated line suggests that the singer's hope of being taken home soon remains strong.

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@MyMoppet52

9y↑6

A favorite gospel tune done a cappella. They start slow, but give them time. A very nice version of this song! From "Living on the Other Side" released in 1996. Enjoy!

Check out their site for music, tour dates, info, photos: http://www.iiirdtymeout.com
Personnel:
Steve Dilling - vocals, guitar, banjo
Russell Moore - vocals, guitar
Wayne Benson - vocals, mandola, mandolin
Ray Deaton - vocals (bass), electric bass
Earl Scruggs - guitar
Mike Hartgrove - fiddle
Kenny Malone - percussion

All comments from YouTube:

@lanslay7342

3y↑5

Absolutely beautiful and very beautifully done!!👏🛐✝️🌹💓💕🇺🇸💗❤️🎆🌄🕎🔯

@danielthompson9435

5y↑8

Literally had chills when I heard this.. wow

@MyMoppet52

5y↑1

Thanks for listening. I have a Southern Gospel Playlist if you enjoy this type music. I grew up on it...and the blues. Go figure. Hope you find new treasures if you check it out, Moppet

@91jpullins

12y↑4

Amazing bass!!!! Also lead vocals are superb

@cgirl-de5uk

9y↑10

I LOVE this song as it is, but the way that these guys sing it makes it even BETTER! I can't hear it enough. I keep playing it over and over again!I had heard it once on Pandora and couldn't find it anywhere after that. I can't believe I finally found it again! 😊

@davidhitchcock1

13y↑5

the harmony in this song gives me chills

@realperson7821

4y↑1

The most perfect version of a song ever, it's so beautiful and heartfelt and expertly performed I can't stop listening to it a month after first hearing it. This is the kind of musicianship all good musicians aspire to have, whatever genre they're doin. That seamless communication that makes it sound so natural. It's the plato's chair of songs manifest.

@nicholaswysong785

10y↑23

That bass is absolutely sick!!!! :O

@MyMoppet52

10y↑2

I hope you mean that in a good way. I'm pretty sure you do. I have lots of great Southern Gospel under that tag on my Channel. I will be putting some up soon. Thanks for listening and taking the time to comment. It is appreciated, Moppet

@lproctor55

5y↑3

That's the great Ray Deaton. Cant haul that voice in a dump truck.

@CarlAnthonySam

5y↑4

Sadly, Ray passed away today.

@snoophogg1177

5y↑1

Carl Anthony Heavenly bound.

@OdinScherer

12y↑2

The bass singer on this song has an amazing voice

@poppytimcahall8456

Odin Scherer .... Ray Deaton.

@shawn68able

12y

one of my favorite songs, by one of my favorite bands! thank you for sharing it, i appreciate it.

@snoophogg1177

5y↑10

Ray Deaton you’re home brother. Hallelujah!

@chaleyedwards

12y

Found this today on Pandora, and my jaw dropped, thank you for posting this!

@garrettgregson3731

10y↑4

This is a super good song, I love it.

@MyMoppet52

10y↑1

Hello. I'm glad you found this and enjoyed it. I have quite a bit listed under Southern Gospel on my site. I grew up listening to it. My mom and aunts brought me up right! Please feel free to visit anytime. Thanks for saying 'hello'. I appreciate comments very much. My best to you, Moppet

@theduckman3485

This band was one my pap's favorite bands so all the songs from this album mean a lot

@jasonogle8356

Love this song!!

@savedbytheblood26

10y↑8

I truly love this....

@MyMoppet52

10y↑2

So glad you found this here and took the time to say 'hello'. I love this also. They are incredible. I grew up listening to this type music, but have gained a great love of it as I got older. Same for bluegrass. Thanks for listening, Moppet

@MyMoppet52

12y

So glad you liked this...I get goosebumps from great songs also. They are the best! If you like a cappella music, you can type in my Search area on my channel and see what comes up. Also, Southern Gospel. I have quite a bit. This is an incredible song. Thank you for commenting! I appreciate it very much, Moppet (Barbara)

@jennyhornby7829

My favorite version of this song!

@AlvinBrownFIREFIGHTER1777

10y↑10

awesome song choice by IIIRD Tyme Out

@MyMoppet52

10y↑1

They seem to choose pretty good on their songs. Thanks so much for listening and leaving your "hello". I do so appreciate comments. My best to you, Moppet

@hunterhillrbp7389

I love that bass!!!

@JonahCEmerson

13y

I come back like every day just to listen to this song it makes me feel closer to music and I know like all the lyrics.

@MyMoppet52

12y

Thank you so much for taking the time to say 'hello' and commenting. I think they are wonderful also, but I love many of the good groups of Southern Gospel. I especially like the a cappella songs. I think they are superb and am glad you enjoyed them. If you click and type Southern Gospel in a bar on my channel (it used to be under uploads or videos) you can find some of my other favorites. Thanks again. I appreciate your time. My best, Moppet

@JonahCEmerson

13y

I love this song so much

@DonBurtonDonGBurton

The bass singer and bass player passed peacefully today his name was Ray Deaton RIP!!!

@bigcountryswag

11y

Love this song

@JonahCEmerson

Every time I come across this song I’m reminded of I first came across this song so many years ago.

@ronaldgrimes6924

That is soo pretty...…Love it.

@tommyzawr

God bless bluegrass music!!

@MyMoppet52

12y↑1

The bass singer on this album is Ray Deaton & he's great! Several of the members left Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver (they were a big part of Quicksilver) in 1991. I have lots of Doyle Lawson on my Channel if you want to hear some great harmonies. Most of his stuff has these guys in it. Use the Channel Search bar on my Channel page (it's hidden on the top right. The bar where you type is black & the background is black also). Type in any group, genre (i.e. Southern Gospel, old timey) & have fun!

@BATENKILL

12y↑1

Son if this don't give you goosebumps nothing will

@BingoWingo101

11y

Love this song ;)

@dennisk6986

7y↑1

The lead vocal sounds VERY familiar! Sounds like I've heard him before with Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver? Anyone know about him? Sounds GREAT!

@amazorgun930

Dennis K its Russell Moore the lead singer of quicksilver

@MyMoppet52

12y↑1

Yes. They are great. They were with Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver for years. They left and started their own group. If you go to my Channel Page and type in Doyle Lawson in the right side "Channel Search" bar, their songs will show up. The harmonies are spectacular. Not as peppy as this, but great sounding. You can type in genres, artists, even instruments. I tag everything possible. If you play around, have fun! My best, Moppet

@michellambert2504

11y

Bonjour" MyMoppet52". Moi, je découvre seulement aujourd'hui ce groupe. Il n'est jamais trops tard pour bien faire. Merci à vous, de mettre en ligne de si belles voix. Je reste à l'écoute.LM.

@hunterhillrbp7389

6y↑1

This is Probely the best song i've evr heard it come on,on iheart raido and then...God blessed me. :)

@Gwende

10y↑8

These guys give musical instruments a bad name! GET THAT GUITAR OUTTA HERE! Now that's pretty near perfect!

@MyMoppet52

10y↑2

Nice comment! Thanks so much for listening and taking the time to give me a smile. Good to meet ya. My best, Moppet

@MyMoppet52

12y↑1

You are more than welcome. Thank YOU for listening and taking the time to let me know you enjoyed this. Several of "Quicksilver" left Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver in 91 to start this group. If you want to hear their great harmonies, you can type in "Channel Search" area of my Channel page & their songs will pop up. Doyle Lawson or Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. Also, Southern Gospel, old timey, mountain music, Celtic, Blues, Americana are a few of my tag words. Groups, instruments, genres, songs.

@zazen108

11y↑3

Damn! those boys can sing!

@loganhelms974

5y↑1

Watch your language this is a Christian song you don't curse like that

@MyMoppet52

13y

@davidhitchcock1 So glad you found it. They make me have a huge smile and goosebumps! Thanks for listening and commenting. I appreciate it very much. Moppet (Barbara) p.s. I added 2 video responses after your comment. Swing Low is perhaps my favorite, but I went through my Southern Gospel to find 2 really good ones to add!

@Isaac-nl9kw

11y

Does anyone know where to get sheet music for this arrangement?

@arthurogle7581

6y↑2

I and my blind pal (Wayne Harris Banjo) have been playing Bg for 44 years. Wes Deaton (Bass) really bails it on
this version.Wes also was in Doyle Lawsons band.As you may remember? NC is a Bg breeding state

@maryplaidy6814

5y↑1

arthur ogle "North Carolina is a bluegrass breeding state". And thank goodness that is the case. Don't forget Eastern Kentucky, Southern Virginia and East Tennessee has turned out a good many, too.

@altonbrown3365

Does anyone know where I could find the chords for this? I want to do it at my church and could use some music.

@LaoZe

11y↑1

I can do a decent baritone, but his bass voice makes me jealous.

@darlalarcom9739

They are the number 1 artists of this here ditty

@MyMoppet52

9y↑6

@EnchiladaMan360

12y↑2

I thought the Gaither Vocal Band had the best acapella on the planet, but IIIrd Tyme Out has got them beat. Bill Gaither is actually a nice smooth bass singer, but Ray Deaton could blast a flawless Low C and knock Chuck Norris to the ground in the resulting earthquake.

@MyMoppet52

13y

@JonahCEmerson I am so glad you found it here! Thank you for listening. Please come back anytime you want to visit! My best, Moppet (Barbara) p.s. I love it too. They do a SUPER job on this!

@claudiastevens706

9y↑5

Love this video

@nickcreel359

9y↑1

love this tho

@robvincent9217

Just wow.

@MyMoppet52

12y

So glad you found this. I'm glad you enjoyed it and also glad you took the time to comment. I appreciate every comment I get. It helps me choose what to put on next. Thank you, Moppet (Barbara)

@arthurogle7581

5y↑1

Pac is Roberto Duran:
The BASS player (not Baritone) is Wes Deaton. Has been in numerous Bg bands beside Russell's.
Incl Doyle Lawson's Quick Silver. The only bass player who can stay up with Wes is Larry Hooper
of Lawrence Welk's band.

@OdinScherer

12y↑1

Wow. Just wow.

@MyMoppet52

12y

@LeFrogDog It's worth a listen or two. Thanks for stopping by. Also, thanks for letting me know you enjoyed it. I appreciate your comment, Moppet

@MyMoppet52

13y

@thehadgi I think they did a very good job on the song. I am glad you found it and gave it a listen. Thanks for stopping by and commenting! Come back anytime. My best to you, Moppet (Barbara)

@MyMoppet52

13y

@JonahCEmerson Thank you so much for letting me know! That makes me feel so good. Sometimes I wonder if anyone likes the music I put on & your comment is nice to hear. If you have any other favorites, let me know. I might have them. Come back as many times a day as you wish. I am so glad you like it! My best, Moppet (Barbara)

@crazyviking24

9y↑3

I used to have this CD. The other group I am looking for is a smaller group known as Cedar Grove Bluegrass band.

@MyMoppet52

+Donald Vincent I just saw your comment. I don't know them, but will look for them. Thanks for saying hello & sorry I am so late, Moppet

@crazyviking24

8y↑1

They don't perform together anymore as far as I know. (Haven't in awhile). The couple that had kind of organized it (Don and Shirley Gerber) actually were friends of my mom.

@MyMoppet52

Donald Vincent
wow! I love them. Bet you heard some good music!!! (or your mom did)

@crazyviking24

8y↑1

I did hear some pretty good music. I actually spent a couple weeks one summer with them and actually got to go to a bluegrass festival with Don Gerber. I grew up in a musical family (though ironically I am the only member of my family that doesn't play an instrument) so I grew up exposed to a lot of music.

@marktate4466

Fantastic

@MyMoppet52

12y

@Psweezy14 Oh, yeah! I love it. Thanks so much for commenting. It really helps to know when people enjoy what I'm putting up. (Helps me choose in the future + makes me feel good.) Thanks, Moppet (Barbara)

@sommmeguy

Like this one.

@harrisonvital8756

10y↑12

Errrrr Mah GERD that is So AWESOME that bass is so LOW!

@harrisonvital8756

10y↑1

Everyone who looks on my channel YOU HAVE TO WATCH AND LISTNE TO THIS.... well you cant watch because it is a .wvm so... just listen to its beauty!!!

@kamberross6493

10y

That was a super deep bass. Dang.

@MyMoppet52

10y

Kamber Ross
You got that right. I'm trying to put more on. Thanks for commenting and so glad you enjoyed. My best to you, Moppet

@MyMoppet52

10y

Harrison Vital
Thanks so much for adding this. I have some other great Southern Gospel I need to get on. You can search that tag on my Channel also for some outstanding vocals. My best to you, Moppet

@workingcountry1776

7y↑1

a home on the other side.... oh what a promise we have!

@88dancingbear

12y

Wow! Thanks!

@poppytimcahall8456

5y↑1

RIP RAY 💔 DEATON

@loganhelms974

My father used to sing this

@Psweezy14

13y

Woah.. thats some a cappella..

@mitchilito99

Goose pimple city. Thanks boys!!

@MyMoppet52

12y

@88dancingbear That's my exact response, "Wow, Thanks!" but I didn' t think of it. They make me smile. Thank you very much for taking the time to comment. It means a lot to me. My best, Moppet (Barbara)

@hunterhillrbp7389

6y↑2

i am crying
rn

@MyMoppet52

So glad you found this here. Thank you for letting me know you liked it, Moppet

@MyMoppet52

I have a Southern Gospel Playlist if you like this genre. I forgot to mention that just now. I grew up listening... and still love it.

@shira101wv

8y↑1

oh yeah....sometimes up....now counting the stars...miss the woman who pretended to be nmy sister....so very sad...so very sad....hopefully ray was a true brother, actually, i believe he was. God help us down here, may we be true to Jesus.