Swing Low
Ladysmith Black Mambazo Feat. China Black 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.

I looked over Jordan, and what did I see?
Coming for to carry me home,
A band of angels coming after me,

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.

If you get there before I do,
Coming for to carry me home,
Tell all my friends I'm coming, too.
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.

I'm sometimes up and sometimes down,
Coming for to carry me home,
But still my soul feels heavenly bound,
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.

The brightest day that I can say,
Coming for to carry me home,
When Jesus washed my sins away,
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 Sweet Chariot by Ladysmith Black Mambazo Feat. China Black is a powerful expression of hope and faith in the promise of salvation. The lyrics speak of a time when the singer will be carried home by a sweet chariot, a metaphorical representation of God's love and grace. The repetition of the phrase "coming for to carry me home" reinforces the idea that this moment is eagerly anticipated by the singer.

The first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, as the singer envisions the sweet chariot coming over the horizon to take them home. The second verse describes the arrival of a band of angels, who will accompany the singer on their journey. The third verse speaks of the importance of community, as the singer asks that their friends be told they are coming home, too. The fourth verse acknowledges the ups and downs of life, but emphasizes the ultimate destination of the soul. The final verse speaks of the transformative power of Jesus and the redemption he offers.

Line by Line Meaning

Swing low, sweet chariot,
As I look towards the skies, I see a vehicle made of light that will transport me to a place of rest and peace.

Coming for to carry me home,
As I wait patiently, the chariot gets closer and closer to my spot, and I feel elated that soon I will be taken away.

I looked over Jordan, and what did I see?
As I gazed at the Jordan River, I saw the chariot approaching, and it gave me hope and a sense of belonging.

A band of angels coming after me,
Seeing the chariot means that a multitude of angels is accompanying it on its journey, reinforcing my belief in a higher power.

If you get there before I do,
In case someone reaches that peaceful abode before me, they should be able to tell others of my arrival, so they get ready to celebrate with me.

Tell all my friends I'm coming, too.
My loved ones must know that my time is almost over, and they should be prepared to have me in their midst very soon.

I'm sometimes up and sometimes down,
I experience highs and lows throughout my life, and I face all of them, knowing that they are the stepping stones to bring me closer to this moment.

But still my soul feels heavenly bound,
My spirit, despite life's struggles, is grounded in the knowledge that there is a better place waiting for me on the other side.

The brightest day that I can say,
The finest moment in my existence would be the day that my sins are completely forgiven.

When Jesus washed my sins away,
I am grateful for Jesus, who forgives my sins and grants me passage to a better life.

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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