The River of Jordan
The Louvin Brothers Lyrics


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To the River Of Jordan our Savior went one day
And we read that John The Baptist met Him there
And when John baptized Jesus in Jordan's rushing waters
The mighty power of God filled the air
I'm on my way to the River Of Jordan
Gonna wade right in to the rushing waters
I'm going down, I'm going down to the River Of Jordan
And let the cool waters cleanse my soul

King Naaman was stricken with dreaded leprosy
And he sent for the man of God to pray
But Elisha said to Naaman "go dip yourself in Jordan"
And let the cool waters wash your spots away

So he went right down to the River Of Jordan
He waded right in the rushing waters
He dipped himself, he dipped himself in the River Of Jordan
And the cool waters made him whole

The River Of Jordan is many miles away
And this mighty river I may never see
But I'll find myself an altar in an old-fashioned church
And my River of Jordan, that will be

Well, I'm on my way to the River Of Jordan
Gonna wade right in to the rushing waters




I'm going down, I'm going down to the River Of Jordan
And let the cool waters cleanse my soul

Overall Meaning

"The River of Jordan" by The Louvin Brothers is a gospel song that draws upon Biblical references to portray the significance of baptism in Christian faith. The song talks about the act of baptism that Jesus himself underwent, to cleanse oneself of sins and impurities, and attain spiritual purity.


The first verse illustrates the arrival of Jesus at the River of Jordan, where John The Baptist meets him and baptizes him in the rushing waters. The second verse narrates the story of King Naaman, who sought Elisha's help to cure his leprosy. Elisha directed him to dip himself in the River of Jordan, which healed him of his afflictions. The last verse declares the singer's intention to seek an old-fashioned church, where they can find an altar to perform the act of baptism and be cleansed of their sins.


Through these lyrics, the song emphasizes the significance of water baptism in the Christian faith as a means to attain salvation, forgiveness, and spiritual cleansing. The River of Jordan serves as a metaphor for the cleansing and rejuvenating power of baptism, an act of renewal that aids in purifying the soul.


Line by Line Meaning

To the River Of Jordan our Savior went one day
Jesus went to the River Of Jordan


And we read that John The Baptist met Him there
John The Baptist met Jesus at the River Of Jordan


And when John baptized Jesus in Jordan's rushing waters
John baptized Jesus in the fast-moving water of the River Of Jordan


The mighty power of God filled the air
God's power was felt at the River Of Jordan


I'm on my way to the River Of Jordan
I am going to the River Of Jordan


Gonna wade right in to the rushing waters
I will step into the fast-moving water of the river


I'm going down, I'm going down to the River Of Jordan
I will submerge myself in the River Of Jordan


And let the cool waters cleanse my soul
I hope that the refreshing water will purify my spirit


King Naaman was stricken with dreaded leprosy
King Naaman was very sick with leprosy


And he sent for the man of God to pray
He asked a holy man for help with his ailment


But Elisha said to Naaman "go dip yourself in Jordan"
Elisha instructed Naaman to wash himself in the waters of the River Of Jordan


And let the cool waters wash your spots away
Elisha believed the cold river would cleanse Naaman's sores


So he went right down to the River Of Jordan
Naaman went to the River Of Jordan


He waded right in the rushing waters
He stepped into the fast-moving water of the river


He dipped himself, he dipped himself in the River Of Jordan
Naaman submerged himself completely in the River Of Jordan


And the cool waters made him whole
The cold river cured Naaman of his sickness


The River Of Jordan is many miles away
The River Of Jordan is far from where I am


And this mighty river I may never see
I might never be able to visit the River Of Jordan


But I'll find myself an altar in an old-fashioned church
I will go to a traditional church


And my River of Jordan, that will be
The church I go to will be my River Of Jordan


Well, I'm on my way to the River Of Jordan
I am going to the River Of Jordan


Gonna wade right in to the rushing waters
I will step into the fast-moving river


I'm going down, I'm going down to the River Of Jordan
I am going to completely submerge myself in the River Of Jordan


And let the cool waters cleanse my soul
I hope the cold river water will purify my spirit




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HAZEL HOUSER, HAZEL MARIE HOUSER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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