Sweet Honey in the Rock was founded in 1973 by Bernice Johnson Reagon who formed the group out of the strongest singers from a vocal workshop she was teaching with the D.C. Black Repertory Company. The name of the group comes from a religious parable that tells of a land so rich that when rocks were cracked open, honey flowed from them.
The music of Sweet Honey in the Rock challenges its listeners with songs on topics including motherhood, spirituality, freedom, civil liberties, domestic violence, and racism.
Over the years, more than twenty individuals have lent their voices to Sweet Honey in the Rock. Beginning as a quartet, Sweet Honey in the Rock is now comprised of six African American women (including a professional American Sign Language interpreter who accompanies the group on concert tours). The ensemble tackles difficult five-part harmonies and composes much of their own music.
Sweet Honey in the Rock has received several Grammy Award nominations, including one for their children's album Still the Same Me which received the Silver Award from the National Association of Parenting Publications. They won a Grammy in 1989 in the category of Best Traditional Folk Recording for their version of Leadbelly's "Grey Goose" from the compilation album Folkways: A Vision Shared.
Old Ship Of Zion
Sweet Honey In The Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Looking out over life's troubled sea
When I saw that ole ship that was sailing
Is that the ole ship of Zion I see.
Its hull was bent and battered
From the storms of life I could see
Waves were rough but that ole ship kept sailing
At the stern of the ship stood the captain
I could hear as he called out my name
Get on board it's the ole ship of Zion
It will never pass this way again
As I step on board I'll be leaving
All my sorrows and heartaches behind
I'll be safe with Jesus the captain
Sailing out on the ole ship of Zion.
The lyrics to the Sweet Honey In The Rock's song Old Ship Of Zion depict a metaphorical image of a ship sailing through life's rough waters. The singer stands on the banks of the river looking out over the sea when they spot an old ship sailing, asking if it's the ole ship of Zion that they see. The ship's hull is battered, and it has braved the storms of life, but it still keeps sailing, symbolizing the resilience that must be sustained to navigate the challenges of life. The captain of the ship, standing at the stern, calls out the singer's name, inviting them to come on board, stating that it is the ole ship of Zion and that it will never pass that way again.
The singer obliges, stepping onto the ship to leave all their sorrows and heartaches behind. They will be safe in the company of Jesus, who is the captain of the ship, sailing out on the ole ship of Zion. The ship represents salvation, and Jesus is the captain, taking its passengers to a place of refuge, far away from life's troubled sea. The lyrics suggest that the challenges and struggles of life can be overcome with the guidance of the divine, and that the ole ship of Zion is the way towards hope, redemption and personal growth.
Line by Line Meaning
I was standing on the banks of the river
I was at a crossroads in my life, feeling lost and uncertain.
Looking out over life's troubled sea
I was reflecting on the difficult times in my life and the uncertainty of the future.
When I saw that ole ship that was sailing
I saw a glimmer of hope in the midst of my uncertainty.
Is that the ole ship of Zion I see.
I wondered if this ship was a symbol of something greater, something that could provide security and guidance in my life.
Its hull was bent and battered
This ship had clearly faced its fair share of troubles and challenges.
From the storms of life I could see
The ship's condition was a reflection of the struggles and hardships of life.
Waves were rough but that ole ship kept sailing
Despite the difficulties, this ship persevered and continued on its journey.
Is that the ole ship of Zion I see.
I continued to wonder if this ship had a greater significance and purpose in my life.
At the stern of the ship stood the captain
The captain of the ship represented someone who could provide guidance and direction in my life.
I could hear as he called out my name
I felt a personal connection to the captain and his message.
Get on board it's the ole ship of Zion
The captain was urging me to join him on this journey of hope, faith, and salvation.
It will never pass this way again
This opportunity to join the ship and its crew was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
As I step on board I'll be leaving
I made the decision to leave my doubts and troubles behind and commit to this journey.
All my sorrows and heartaches behind
I sought to find solace and peace in this new direction in my life.
I'll be safe with Jesus the captain
I put my faith in a higher power and trusted that I would be protected and guided by God.
Sailing out on the ole ship of Zion.
I embarked on this journey of hope and faith, seeking a new purpose and direction in my life.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: THOMAS A. DORSEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stevewilborn3932
Does anyone remember back when we had the older saints sitting over in a corner singing and moaning on sings like this? I can see them now through this song just communicating with God and bringing in the Holy Spirit before the church service started. Wow, this is powerful, powerful!!!
@bellag2658
I will NEVER forget them. O my Lord Jesus, they could sing and moan your soul happy. I miss those day.
@timothygerber9358
Steve Wilborn , I have only ever had one chance to attend a Baptist Church Service where the Elders of the Church were singing and moaning and Rejoicing in The Name of Jesus. It was one of the most powerful and emotional Services I ever attended.I miss it though alot.That's what having church should be like, because I came from a Luthern Church.And those folks were as dead as knobs on doors.
@Kelleysmith402
Beauuuuuutiful! Thank you so much for posting this legendary group!
@almacielo769
this is very deep... pure love spirit!
@timothygerber9358
I just happened to come upon this Classic Gospel Song , Well Glory Be God In The Highest !!!!!!! Sweet Honey in The Rock truly nailed this piece.It brought tears to my eyes.Their Harmony is Classic and Timeless . Unbelievable .
@ted1091
Does anyone know who is singing this version? Obviously Dr. Reagon and Dr. Barnwell. But I wasn't sure of the others. This version has astounding harmonies that demand your attention at all times. Everything Dr. Reagon has ever done is riveting. But this version has so much humility to it - it humbles the listener right along side.
@justbroadway
Beautiful! the only thing missing, was the stomping of the feet! We sung this song at my Aunts, funeral. Something about singing this way and the stomping of the feet, it just ushers in the Ancestors to come back and visit for a while.
@kunjidee
God uses his servants to speak...
@LuizPagan
I am sure when my family left slavery in Kentucky they gathered and sang a song like this to pull up the courage to leave for Ontario Canada to a settlement they called Dawn, now called Dresden.