Swing Low
Sister O.M. Terrell Lyrics
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Commin' for to carry me home
There was a band of angels, a-commin after me
Commin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Commin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
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
Commin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Commin' for to carry me home
And now they're commin' for to carry me home
The lyrics to Sister O.M. Terrell's song, "Swing Low Chariot," speak of the singer's anticipation of being carried home to heaven by a band of angels. The phrase "I looked over Jordan and what did I see?" is a reference to the biblical story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River into the promised land, suggesting that the singer is also looking forward to his or her own promised land. The repetition of the phrase "comin' for to carry me home" reinforces this theme of anticipation and longing for heaven.
The phrase "Swing low, sweet chariot" is a direct address to the angels who will carry the singer home, and the repetition of this refrain throughout the song creates a sense of urgency and excitement. The singer acknowledges that life has its ups and downs, but regardless of their current situation, they are confident that their soul is "heavenly bound." The final verse of the song adds an element of social connection to this personal journey, as the singer asks that their friends be told they are also "comin' too" to the promised land.
Overall, "Swing Low Chariot" is a song of hope and faith in the promise of an afterlife, bolstered by the joyous imagery of bands of angels carrying the faithful home.
Line by Line Meaning
I looked over Jordan and what did I see?
As I gazed across the river Jordan, I saw something remarkable.
Commin' for to carry me home
A group of heavenly beings were approaching me with the intent of taking me to my eternal home.
There was a band of angels, a-commin after me
I saw a host of angels, who were advancing toward me at a rapid pace.
Swing low, sweet chariot
Oh, gracious and merciful Lord, please send your divine conveyance to bring me home to You.
I'm sometimes up, and I'm sometimes down
I have my moments of joy and moments of sorrow.
But but I know my soul is heavenly bound
Despite the struggles of this life, I have confidence that my soul is destined for heaven.
If you get there before I do
If by chance you arrive in heaven ahead of me...
Tell all my friends that I'm a-comin' too
Please tell my loved ones that I will be joining them in heaven.
And now they're commin' for to carry me home
The angels are now arriving to take me to my eternal resting place.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: FRANCESCO MOCCHI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@PHJimY
I love the singing and playing, but the picture is of Memphis Minnie McCoy, not Sister O.M. Terrell.
@slepycitron
Agreed. Memphis Minnie's photo. Lovely music; I'd never come across her before. Thanks for posting.
@dennemont59
Très joli jadoooor
@ShadyGrove83
I desperately need this record, pretty hard to get
@danielleon289
Amazing! But that's Memphis Minnie on the picture...
@tseredate
Falar de Sister, está tudo aí! Até Janis!
@lindaganters7399
Bilden är på Memphis Minnie!
@ianbettridge3712
In my opinion, this track is the best track on the entire album "Bottles, Knives and Steels"
@martincummins8528
Real.
@lauras.2032
Black culture Rock n Roll
#blacklivesmatter