Swing Low Sweet Chariot
Robert Way Orchestra And Chorus Lyrics


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I looked over Jordan and what did I see?
Comin' for to carry me home
There was a band of angels, a-comin' after me

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

I'm sometimes up, and I'm sometimes down
Comin' for to carry me home
But but I know my soul is heavenly bound
Comin' for to carry me home

Swing low, sweet chariot
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
Tell all my friends that I'm a-comin' too

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




Comin' for to carry me home
And now they're comin' for to carry me home

Overall Meaning

"Swing Low Sweet Chariot" is an American Negro Spiritual song that tells the story of a man who looks over the Jordan River and sees a band of angels coming to carry him home. The metaphorical Jordan River in this song represents the boundary between earth and eternal life, while the sweet chariot mentioned in the song symbolizes the vehicle that the angels use to transport the man to his new home. The man states that he is sometimes up and sometimes down, but he knows that his soul is heavenly bound. This means that at times, he may be feeling low or defeated, but deep down, he still has faith that he will be carried by the angels to his heavenly home.


The lyrics of "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" have been interpreted in various ways. For instance, some believe that the song was a code for slaves seeking to escape to freedom in the north. The Jordan River and sweet chariot mentioned in the song represent the Ohio River and a boat used in the Underground Railroad, respectively. Others interpret the song as an expression of hope and faith in the afterlife, especially for those who are faced with difficult circumstances in their present lives. Overall, "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" is a powerful spiritual song that speaks to the human longing for freedom, hope, and a better life after death.


Line by Line Meaning

I looked over Jordan and what did I see?
I glanced at the horizon beyond Jordan and saw something unexpected.


Comin' for to carry me home
It was a group of angels headed towards me, ready to transport me to my eternal home.


There was a band of angels, a-comin' after me
I then saw that the group of angels form a band as they approach me.


Swing low, sweet chariot
The angels' chariot that I saw approaching me was descending low from the sky, and it looked serene and peaceful.


I'm sometimes up, and I'm sometimes down
At times, I experience high and low moments in my life, but I'm not worried because I know my fate is secure in heaven.


But but I know my soul is heavenly bound
I'm confident that my soul will ultimately make it to heaven.


If you get there before I do
In case someone else makes it to heaven before me,


Tell all my friends that I'm a-comin' too
Please, let them know that I'll join them there eventually.


And now they're comin' for to carry me home
The angels have finally arrived, and I'm ready to be transported to my eternal home in heaven.




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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