The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is a large choir of The Church of Jesus Christ … Read Full Bio ↴The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is a large choir of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons). Since July 15, 1929, the choir has performed a weekly radio broadcast called Music and the Spoken Word which is the longest-running continuous network broadcast in the world. The show has been televised since the early 1960s and is now broadcast worldwide through some 1,500 radio, television, and cable stations.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is made up of some 360 men and women, all of whom are volunteers. There are many husband-wife combinations and many families have participated in the choir for generations. Choir members are currently limited to twenty years of participation, allowing new members to join the choir on a regular basis.

The choir was founded in August 1847, one month after the Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. The choir is completely self-funded, traveling and producing albums to support their organization. Choir members are not paid for their participation or performances.

Although the choir has traditionally been recognized for its sound quality, the most recent director, Craig Jessop, a student of Robert Shaw, has made changes designed to improve the overall quality of the choir. Jessop's efforts to add vitality to the choir's sound include the formation of The Orchestra at Temple Square, the 2005 addition of The Bells on Temple Square (a hand bell choir), and continual refinement of the choir's tone, enunciation, and repetoire. The minimum age for participation has been reduced from 30 to 25. In addition, new choir members participate in The Temple Square Chorale training choir, a combination music theory/performance school led by associate director and composer/arranger Mack Wilberg.

Down by the Riverside
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield
Down by the riverside
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
I'm gonna put on my traveling shoes
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
I'm gonna put on my traveling shoes
Down by the riverside
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
I'm gonna put on my long white robe
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
I'm gonna put on my long white robe
Down by the riverside
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more

Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more

Overall Meaning

The song "Down by the Riverside" sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is a spiritual song that has its roots in African American culture, particularly among the slaves. The song aims to encourage people to come together and celebrate life instead of indulging in wars.

The lyrics of the song refer to laying down one's burdens, sword, and shield by the riverside, which is a metaphorical reference to letting go of the things that weigh us down and deter us from living in harmony. The use of repetition in the song, particularly repeating the refrain, "Ain't gonna study war no more," emphasizes the importance of setting aside fights and hatred for a peaceful coexistence.

The use of the white robe and traveling shoes in the verse highlights the significance of a new beginning and the journey towards a better world, highlighting that one's journey can ultimately be the path towards achieving inner peace and happiness.

Overall, this spiritual song acts as a reminder to us all that we don't need to carry around our burdens and keep engaging in wars, we can choose to let them go and live in a world of harmony.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm gonna lay down my burden
I am going to release myself from the weight that I have been carrying.

Down by the riverside
I will do this in a peaceful location by the river.

I'm gonna lay down my burden
I am going to release myself from the weight that I have been carrying.

Down by the riverside
I will do this in a peaceful location by the river.

Ain't gonna study war no more
I will not spend any more time or effort on preparing for war.

I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield
I will relinquish my weapons and defenses now that there is no reason for war.

Down by the riverside
I will do this in a peaceful location by the river.

I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield
I will relinquish my weapons and defenses now that there is no reason for war.

Down by the riverside
I will do this in a peaceful location by the river.

Ain't gonna study war no more
I will not spend any more time or effort on preparing for war.

I'm gonna put on my traveling shoes
I will wear my shoes and embark upon a journey.

Down by the riverside
I will start this journey at a peaceful location by the river.

I'm gonna put on my traveling shoes
I will wear my shoes and embark upon a journey.

Down by the riverside
I will start this journey at a peaceful location by the river.

Ain't gonna study war no more
I will not spend any more time or effort on preparing for war.

I'm gonna put on my long white robe
I will dress myself in a special garment symbolizing my purity and dedication to the Lord.

Down by the riverside
I will do this at a peaceful location by the river.

I'm gonna put on my long white robe
I will dress myself in a special garment symbolizing my purity and dedication to the Lord.

Down by the riverside
I will do this at a peaceful location by the river.

Ain't gonna study war no more
I will not spend any more time or effort on preparing for war.

Writer(s): Kris Ife, Bill Giant, John Rutter, Bernie Baum, Traditional, Florence Kaye

Contributed by Reagan T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

Nanik Dasani

2y↑8

1.Gonna lay down my burden,
Down by the riverside,
Down by the riverside,
Down by the riverside.
Gonna lay down my burden,
Down by the riverside,
Down by the riverside.
Chorus:
I ain't gonna study war no more,
study war no more,
ain't gonna study war no more.
I ain't gonna study war no more,
study war no more,
ain't gonna study oh war no more.
1.Gonna lay down my sword and shield
Down by the riverside...
Chorus
1.Gonna try on my long white robe
Down by the riverside...

Chorus
1.Gonna try on my starry crown
Down by the riverside...
Chorus
1.Gonna put on my golden shoes
Down by the riverside...

Chorus
1.Gonna talk with the Prince of Peace
Down by the riverside...

Chorus
1.Gonna shake hands around the world
Down by the riverside...

demerson antonio

5y↑1

I'm gonna lay down my burden
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
I'm gonna lay down my burden
Down by the riverside
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield
Down by the riverside
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
I'm gonna put on my traveling shoes
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
I'm gonna put on my traveling shoes
Down by the riverside
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
I'm gonna put on my long white robe
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
I'm gonna put on my long white robe
Down by the riverside
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more

wen

I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield
Down by the riverside
I'm gonna study, study, war no more
I ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
I ain't gonna study war no more
I ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
I ain't gonna study war no more
I'm gonna lay down my heavy load
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
I'm gonna lay down my heavy load
Down by the riverside
Gonna study war no more
I ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
I ain't gonna study war no more
I ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
I ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna…

All comments from YouTube:

Courtney Henry

1y↑3

This is real good singing, I love it.

Blayman1 Lay

46w↑1

That is a very cheerful song! Thanks tabernacle choir!

Nanik Dasani

2y↑8

Whtfigo223

2y↑2

They sing everything beautiful, religious, Christmas carols , Broadway tunes and conventional songs!!!None equal to them anywhere!!!

Joe Raio

7y↑17

What a beautiful song sung by the greatest choir in all the land and conducted by the great Mack Wilberg. I truly enjoy listening to all of their music. A very dedicated group of people!!

David Henry

Peace, because there is always at any price people people agree with the words of this song unfortunately it can never happen because there is and always will be a “KING” of the jungle.

Don Salmon Music

2y↑1

Wonderful!!! Great choir and beautifully performed! Enjoyed the upbeat presentation! God bless!

R. S. Kurtz

10y↑27

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir brings new life to the old spiritual, "Down By The Riverside" Your music always sounds great and this is no exception. Bravo!! I haven't heard this song for years and your rendition is awesome!! Well done.

Jer 20

8y↑8

I love this rendition. I can just hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing some old classic jazz tunes with the orchestra chiming in the background. That would be beautiful for sure.

creas nlosi

Ce chœur est fantastique pour moi et pour ma vie Dieu soit loué pour cette Eglise.

Timofey Music Saxofone

3y↑2

It is now 2020 as you honor the Lord, many years have passed since the speech...respect for musicians and singers for their work. greetings from Russia Belgorod is near Ukraine

adriana streisser

Great!beautiull! Saludos desde argentina, !

NE-Station031

10y↑56

I may not believe or subscribe to their beliefs but the MTC is one of the best religious choirs in the world. They have their own distinct style of the vocal range and sing some of the best hymns ever written.

Laura Eager

9y↑3

I'm episcopalian but I love the MTC

Chocoholic

8y↑12

Some say that Mathematics is the universal language, but I believe that the same can be said about music. No matter if you can understand the words, or agree completely with the lyrics or the values and beliefs of the composer or the singers, we can all appreciate and enjoy the talents and skills and beauty that is conveyed in music.

FernsehkritikTVkritikTV

8y↑2

+GoldVixen I always thought it was English (or Esperanto)...

John Sessoms

7y↑3

Mathematics and music are almost the same thing. Math can describe why music is so pleasing.

This is a beautifully orchestrated & sung rendition, but it never quite expresses the spirit & the power of the song. It's too restrained; too subdued.

Linda Weaver Clarke

7y↑3

This is absolutely beautiful. It's so uplifting. I love it.

Anke Wunder

Wunderschöne Interpretation! Weiter so!

Rebecca F

7y↑3

I just love this choir!!!

ANTONELLA DI VANNI DI BIAGGIO

TAMBIEN A MI ME GUSTA ESTE CORO. DESDE CHILE....BIANCA ANTONELLA DI VANNI DI BIAGGIO

LD Young

Great as always! Thank you choir,orchestra and Director!

Ash

Singing this next week for Thanksgiving Service. Its a TOUGH one, but a fun one!

johnf9596

We are singing this Version in our choir in New Jersey if I can give it 100 thumb’s up yes lovely thank you! John

MICHEAS SAMUEL SERAFICA

4y↑1

I am happy to view these wonderful performances. I first sing this though in 1960 as a choir member of the Capitol Methodist Church.

Shevill Mathers

Love the jazzy-swing style. I used to play this on guitar in a ‘skiffle’ group back in the mid 1950’s when stationed at RAF Hospital Wegberg, Germany. Brings back great memories. Thank you for sharing your wonderful presentations. 👍😁🎼🇦🇺

TheTerenity

What year were you born?

Charles Barry

7y↑6

I am not a member of the church but I their choir. It is one of the great choirs in the world .

Renvaldas Jackevicius

8y↑17

beautiful, beautiful song and the Mormon Tabernacle choir

Mr. CJ

Very nice rendition...!!!

Liliane Jesus

Lindo demais!

George Vantassel

I love to listen to this choir.

LeNora Hogue

8y↑2

Wow! Love this . So jazzy.

Rufus

6y↑5

Riveting!! Just like New Orleans jazz with a spiritual twist! "Ain't gone study war no more!" Amen!!

Mic Belfast

10y↑4

Fabulous piece! I have it on 'Songs From America' CD... If I'm honest, would prefer it a little more up tempo.... (wasn't the pianist brilliant?!!) - just love the Mo Tab!!!

Temokarasi Pulou Ama

Love listen to this amazing choir

Becky M.

I love songs and I love it

Word Bird

This is SO GOOD! My music teacher played this in my class today it's so good. (April 12th)

Tim Micheal

Music player in the world

Larry Frank

4y↑2

I would hope that some day the MTC would do songs from the Moody Blues.

María Delgado

7y↑1

Brilliant, all of you, lots of thanks, for the wonderful moments, hours, days, months, and all the future coming with you all.You are the champions, the best, .. thank you all

Elisabeth Zajac

UNE CHORALE OU TOUS LES CHANTEURS SONT HABILLES PAREILLEMENT, C'EST MAGNIFIQUE.

Shari Joseph

6y↑1

Those hymns will never go Out of season

PianoPlayer300

8y↑12

The most beautiful masterpiece i've ever heard and seen OMG this is amazing O_O

Hanson Ababio

8y↑11

wow. this is the first time am hearing this music and i cant stop listening. Thank you Motab amd gonna put down my dirty robe and put on a white new robe of righteousness.

padsrocha

Já assisti isso várias vezes e nunca me canso...

Marcio Diegoli

8y↑6

Marvelous!!! I loved it!!!

MDIEGOLI

10y↑10

Marvelous!!! I love it!

Harm Hemmen

7y↑1

I wish i could visit a concert, its great.

John Sutterby

10y↑10

Absolutely Beautiful

luis manuel

This music makes me happy... Love it ... :-))

Leonidas Souza

9y↑1

muito lindo amei

Nyck461

10y↑5

Amazing song.

demerson antonio

5y↑1

Nico Schuster

8y↑2

It is just amazing!!

Annie Nielson

5y↑3

This is my go-to video for a good mood.

David Smith

Ditto, bless you

Lorraine Wells

Lovely to listen to. Thanks

Amauri Angelo

Lindooooooooooooo!

Manny Boy

10y↑9

thus is what a feel good music is all about..

Luc landré

4y↑1

Can I've the score of this interpretation please

Jane Adams

7y↑2

Real beautiful!!!

Eric Rute

7y↑2

the M. T. C. how can you put their talent into words?

MightyAfricans

7y↑7

Greetings for Nairobi, Kenya. Thanks for sharing. God bless you.

Michiel Debackere

MIlow lyrics Howling to the Moonlyricslyrics

Michiel Debackere

Jon

ANTONELLA DI VANNI DI BIAGGIO

SLUDOS PARA TODOS LOS RESIDENTES DE KENYA. DESDE CHILE.....BIANCA ANTONELLA DI VANNI DI BIAGGIO.

Stepan97

AMAZING!!!!!
From Russia

Johan Smit

Marvelous!!!

M Jaada

5y↑9

"I ain't gonna study no more" would be realistic

wen

prettyd31

9y↑9

Beautiful

Hermann Tar

10y↑5

Marvelous

Dawid D

10y↑14

war no more, from Poland with love

David Smith

Poland, you know better than most, ain't gonna study war no more...bless you and all of Poland

George Brands

Wunderfull chapeau.

Alex Hernandez

5y↑2

I feel like boogie-ing

Harvey Ball

9y↑8

My God ! I'm just gonna put my white robe on and step right down ! Right down to that 'ol river side. If I ever get the chance to go to America the one thing I want to do is walk into the Great temple in Salt lake city and lie prostrate and thank God for the gift. Thanks for the fabulous post

Helena Verwey

Geweldig

Garner Byars

7y↑4

Great! Love It! Makes You Want Dance! An do a little clapping! Thanks!

Pete Giannopoulos

Doesn’t mean much if you never studied war in the first place but I love this hypocritical song anyway. Christ is risen.

Joan Erhard

Bouncy, it is, love it,

Marife Crisanto

10y↑5

I am a big fan!!!

José Fernando Banin

10y↑3

genial!!!

sonja ina de regt

8y↑3

het is geweldig ik ben in rotterdam geweest echt super ik heb de hele dag deze koor op staan ik heb nu alle muziek van jullie afz zr i de regt uit middemeer holland

anja

wow, soo awesome

Milica Sukovic

9y↑5

BRAVO !!!

Lizeth Chavez

4y↑1

It caught me "I ain't no study, work no more" yeah 😏

Peniasi Durutalo

thanks for the good music

TOUGH CLOUD

5y↑9

1.5 Speed😇

Rich Man

Thanks. That was cool.

R.Khan

8y↑4

its epic!

Hans Stiller

9y↑3

Very GOOD

William Ruether

Always grest

freemen

MORMON POWER!!!

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