According to Merge, at their initial studio session the two “were immediately struck by one another’s talents and found an instant rapport". During a conversation about their shared love of old records, Zooey let slip that she wrote her own songs, which she recorded alone at home on her computer. Somewhat shy about sharing these musical morsels, she was eventually persuaded to send them to M. Ward. He was instantly impressed, and they soon reconvened at his studio in Portland to begin work. Recorded over a period of several months, between acting work (She) and touring commitments (Him), the pair found time to bring Zooey’s fledgling songs to gorgeous fruition
Swing Low Sweet Chariot
She & Him Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
The song “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” has its roots in African American spirituals, with its original author and composer unknown. It is believed to have been written during the mid-19th century as a slave song, during a time when African Americans relied heavily on their faith as a source of hope and strength in the face of discrimination and injustice. The song has been passed down from generation to generation and has become a beloved staple of American folk music.
The lyrics of the song speak of the desire for freedom and the hope of being carried away on a chariot to a better place. The line “Coming for to carry me home” is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the longing for release from the burdens of life. The mention of “a band of angels” coming for the singer further reinforces the spiritual nature of the song, with the angels representing a divine force coming to provide salvation and rescue.
Overall, the imagery and lyrics of “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” evoke a sense of hope and faith in the face of adversity, while also serving as a reminder of the deep historical and cultural roots of African American music.
Line by Line Meaning
Swing low, sweet chariot
I am calling for a heavenly chariot to come and take me home.
Coming for to carry me home
The chariot is on its way to take me to my eternal resting place.
I looked over Jordan
I am reflecting on my current situation in life.
And what did I see,
I saw something in the distance that caught my attention.
A band of angels
I saw a group of angelic beings.
Coming after me
They were approaching me to lead me to heaven.
Coming for to carry me home
The angels are ready to take me to my place in the afterlife.
Swing low, sweet chariot
I continue to call for the heavenly chariot to take me home.
Coming for to carry me home
I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of the chariot and the angels to take me home.
Contributed by Grace O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.