Michael Row The Boat Ashore
Pete Seeger (Children's) Lyrics
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Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah
The river is deep and the river is wide, hallelujah
Green pastures on the other side, hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah
Jordan's river is chilly and cold, hallelujah
Chills the body but not the soul, hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah
The river is deep and the river is wide, hallelujah
Milk and honey on the other side, hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah
"Michael Row The Boat Ashore" is a gospel song that is usually sung in a call and response style. The song seems to be about a man named Michael who is leading a group of people on a journey across a wide and deep river. Sister is also mentioned, who helps to trim the sail, suggesting that there are others who are part of the group. The refrain of "hallelujah" emphasizes the spiritual tone of the song.
The imagery of the "green pastures on the other side" and "milk and honey on the other side" suggests that there is a promised land on the other side of the river that they are striving to reach. Jordan's river is mentioned, which is significant because in the Bible, the Jordan River was a symbol of transition and change. Chills the body but not the soul suggests that crossing the river may be difficult physically, but the spiritual reward of reaching the other side is far greater.
Overall, the song can be interpreted as a metaphor for the journey towards spiritual enlightenment or freedom. The idea of rowing together and working towards a common goal is emphasized throughout the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Let us row our boat to land, praising the Lord
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah
Let us work together to guide our boat through the water, praising the Lord
The river is deep and the river is wide, hallelujah
The path ahead is difficult and challenging, but we praise the Lord
Green pastures on the other side, hallelujah
We look forward to reaching a place of peace and prosperity, praising the Lord
Jordan's river is chilly and cold, hallelujah
The water may be uncomfortable, but we continue to praise the Lord
Chills the body but not the soul, hallelujah
Although our physical bodies may be affected, our faith remains strong and we praise the Lord
Milk and honey on the other side, hallelujah
We look forward to enjoying the blessings of God's abundance, praising the Lord
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVID FISHER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ed Bertsch
The children singing along always brings tears of joy when I hear it. What a great man. What a great American.
jackson boled
First time I heard it was last night and I started crying It was just so amazing
Lane Crooks
This version is SO uplifting :)
Dance Arts Channel
To ever had even heard this man sing was a glimpse of such greatness. Such power
Such gentleness . He is remembered.
Thank you again Mr Seeger
jackson boled
I don't think I have ever broke down in tears to such a happy song i can't explain why it makes me so emotional
FlowerChild65
One of my favourite Seeger songs. He's just so great.
bigmurr725
This song brought me to tears , Pete was an amazing person we miss him terribly . We need him now more than ever before as our country is being torn apart form within .
LettersFromTheAbyss
I grew up with this kind of music, thanks to my father. Great song.
Phillip Ragan
What beautiful singing from the audience!
Brian U
R.I.P Pete Seeger :'(