Michael Row the Boat Ashore

Traditional African American rowing song, 1700s

 
Slave Songs of the United States. New York: A. Simpson & Co., 1867.
 

1. Michael, row the boat ashore,
Hallelujah,
Michael, row the boat ashore,
Hallelujah.

2. Sister help to trim the sail,
Hallelujah,
Sister help to trim the sail,
Hallelujah.

3. Brother, lend a helping hand,
Hallelujah,
Help us reach that promised land,
Hallelujah

 

4. The river is deep and the river is wide,
Hallelujah,
Milk and honey on the other side,
Hallelujah.

5. Jordan River is chilly and cold,
Hallelujah,
Chills the body but not the soul,
Hallelujah.

6. Gabriel blows the trumpet horn,
Hallelujah,
Trumpet sound the world around,
Hallelujah.

 

 
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