1- An UK rocka… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least two musical groups with this name.
1- An UK rockabilly/psychobilly band:
http://www.myspace.com/thecaravans
2- An american gospel group popular during the 50's and 60's:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Caravans
Sweeping Through The City
The Caravans Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Where my) captain has gone before
(And we′re gonna) sit down by the banks of the rivier
I won't be back
I won't be back
I won′t be back no more, no more
Blessed are the pure in heart for they′ll go
Blessed are the poor in spirit for they′ll go
(Sweepin' through the city)
Blessed are they that mourn for they′ll go
(Sweepin' through the city)
Blessed are the children of Israel for they′ll go
(Sweepin' through the city)
(Then we'll go) sweepin′ through the city
(Where my) captain has gone before
(And we′re gonna) sit down by the banks of the rivier
I won't be back
I won′t be back
I won't be back no more, no more
Vamp
In that city
The Caravans' gospel song "Sweeping Through The City" talks about the Christian belief that after death, believers will go to heaven and be able to join their Captain. The lyrics suggest that the band and all those who believe in Jesus Christ are going to "sweep through the city" and join their captain by the riverbanks. The song's chorus repeats the lines "Blessed are the pure in heart," "Blessed are the poor in spirit," "Blessed are they that mourn," and "Blessed are the children of Israel," highlighting the importance of faith and good deeds.
The song's repetitive and upbeat melody creates a positive atmosphere and celebrates the eventual reunion of believers with their Captain. It uses metaphors such as "sweeping through the city" to suggest a joyous and happy event, and the inclusion of the "children of Israel" in the chorus emphasizes the importance of faith and salvation for all.
Line by Line Meaning
sweepin' through the city
Traveling through the city with a sense of purpose and determination.
where my captain has gone before
Following the path and guidance of a respected leader who has already traversed this journey.
sit down by the banks of the river
Taking a moment to rest and reflect in a peaceful and scenic location.
I won't be back
Leaving behind the distractions and problems of the current situation.
I won't be back no more, no more
Completely letting go of the past and moving forward without regret.
blessed are the pure in heart for they'll go
Those with genuine and sincere intentions will find success on this journey.
blessed are the poor in spirit for they'll go
Even those who feel lost or disadvantaged can find hope and purpose on this journey.
blessed are they that mourn for they'll go
Those who have experienced loss or sorrow can find comfort and healing on this journey.
blessed are the children of Israel for they'll go
People of faith and spiritual conviction will find fulfillment on this journey.
in that city
The ultimate destination and goal of this journey, representing a place of peace and contentment.
Writer(s): Shirley Caesar
Contributed by Mila I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@mercywaithira7580
(Then we'll go) sweepin' through the city,
(Where my) captain has gone before
(And we're gonna) sit down by the banks of the river;
I won't be back,
I won't be back,
I won't be back no more, no more.
Blessed are the pure in heart for they'll go,
(Sweepin' through the city).
Blessed are the poor in spirit for they'll go,
(Sweepin' through the city).
Blessed are they that mourn for they'll go,
(Sweepin' through the city).
Blessed are the children of Israel for they'll go,
(Sweepin' through the city).
(Then we'll go) sweepin' through the city,
(Where my) captain has gone before
(And we're gonna) sit down by the banks of the river;
I won't be back,
I won't be back,
I won't be back no more, no more.
In that city
(Then we'll go) sweepin' through the city,
(Where my) captain has gone before
(And we're gonna) sit down by the banks of the river;
I won't be back,
I won't be back,
I won't be back no more, no more.
@ilae.williams7675
The roots of this song go so deep, you can't mention this song without bringing back memories of the days when the Black church was all Black people had, to lean on, at that time...
@bootedwithstyle3074
Shirley Caesar and Dorothy Norwood Blew the roof off on this song.
@MrStyle23
The Queen of Gospel Miss Albertina Walker! Those Caravans are still the baddest Gospel group in all the land. Albertina Walker know she can spot some talent!
@shaunygb4156
Dorothy blew!!! That note got me hollerin!!!!!!! Mama Shirley did what she always does, SHOW UP AND SHOW OUT, I was not surprised
@RacquelMitchell1
My grandma used to play this tape when I was a little girl decades ago. God led me here today. There’s so much Power in true praise and worship. Thank you so much for sharing. Blessings!
@MrMbell2
I'm 28 and I did not grow up in a Pentecostal church but my mother came from that background and it was past on to me through my love of Gospel music. This is wonderful to me. Somebody my age might not get but that's on them.
@goldenlady3678
THIS IS THAT KIND OF MUSIC THAT BRINGS EVERYBODY TOGETHER, NOT ONE PERSON SITTING FROM WHAT I CAN SEE!! YES, SING Y'ALL!!!
@wyannaalston209
The Father put this song on my 💙 in the middle of my worship with Him right now, at 2:22am!! Remembering in the childrdrens choir very young in age, 5,or 6 years old but remembering it at this time is so special just turning 40 days ago🥰🥰🥰All Praise to MY FATHER,MOST HIGH, HIS SON, KING OF KINGS, AND HOLY SPIRIT😇🙌🏾🙏🏾 HALELUIAH!!! IM SO THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL......
@DykebaRogersPrayWithoutCeasing
Dorothy Norwood, pickem up puttem' down ,pickem' up puttem' down ": you can't help but spread your arms of love around the Caravans Women of Distinction,
@kl.8992
Please bring this gospel back