Swing Low Sweet Chariot
UB40 Feat. The United Colours Of Sound Lyrics

The lyrics to UB40 Feat. The United Colours Of Sound's song Swing Low are a spiritual hymn that speaks to the struggle of life and the promise of deliverance available to those who are faithful. The opening lines of "I looked over Jordan and what did I see?" suggest a journey beyond the physical realm, perhaps to the afterlife or a metaphorical plane of existence. The singer is anticipating the arrival of a band of angels who will carry them home, indicating a longing for escape from hardships or suffering and an ultimate redemption.

The repetition of the phrase "comin' for to carry me home" emphasizes the sense of longing and the hope for a better future beyond life's struggles. The line, "I'm sometimes up, and I'm sometimes down, but I know my soul is heavenly bound" speaks to the ups and downs of life but reinforces the singer's faith in the spiritual realm as a source of comfort and guidance. The song continues with the chorus's repetition of "Swing low, sweet chariot, comin' for to carry me home," as a metaphor for the arrival of deliverance and the ultimate reward for those who are faithful.

There's an urgency to the lyrics with the line "If you get there before I do, tell all my friends that I'm a-comin' too" signifying a desire to be reunited with loved ones or community beyond this life. The final lines, "And now they're comin' for to carry me home," signify the arrival of the promised deliverance and the culmination of the singer's journey/cycle of life.