Michael Row The Boat Ashore
Richard Jon Smith Lyrics

The song "Michael Row The Boat Ashore" is a traditional African-American spiritual that has roots in the 19th century. The lyrics are a call and response between a leader and group, with the refrain "Hallelujah" repeating throughout. Michael is encouraged to row the boat ashore, with his sister helping to trim the sails. The River Jordan is referenced as being chilly and cold, but not affecting the soul. The river is described as deep and wide, with milk and honey on the other side. Ultimately, the song is a message of hope and the promise of a better life in the afterlife.

The lyrics can be interpreted as a spiritual metaphor for crossing over from this life to the next. Michael and his sister represent individuals seeking salvation and guidance, with the boat representing the journey towards that goal. The river Jordan is associated with the biblical story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land, symbolizing the hope for a better future.

Interestingly, the song was first recorded and popularized by the American folk group The Highwaymen in 1961, and later re-recorded by Richard Jon Smith, a South African singer who added a disco beat to the song, making it a hit in the UK in 1982.