Swing Low Sweet Chariot
Ted Heath Lyrics

The lyrics to Ted Heath's song "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" are reflective of the spiritual and religious traditions of African American culture. The opening lines "I looked over Jordan and what did I see? Comin' for to carry me home" refer to the Biblical story of the Hebrew prophet Elijah, who was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire. The reference to "comin' for to carry me home" suggests a desire for the end of suffering and the arrival of a peaceful afterlife.

The following lines "There was a band of angels, a-comin' after me" reinforce the religious imagery of the song and allude to the idea of divine intervention in one's life. The repetition of the phrase "Swing low, sweet chariot, comin' for to carry me home" throughout the song creates a sense of urgency and hopefulness, indicating the singer's longing for spiritual deliverance.

The final verse "If you get there before I do, tell all my friends that I'm a-comin' too," suggests a communal aspect to the experience of salvation, with the singer wishing to reunite with loved ones in the afterlife.