subject: Know More About Swing Low Sweet Chariot [print this page] "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" is categorized as Negro spiritual or African-America folk songs. It was composed by Wallis Willis, a Choctaw freedman in the old Indian Territory, before the year 1862. The idea for the song came from the Red river that reminded Willis of the Jordan River and of the Prophet Elijah being carried to heaven in a chariot.
Alexander Reid who was a preacher at a Choctaw boarding school, heard Willis singing the song and transcribe the words and melodies. Reid then sent the music to the Jubilee Singers of Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee who made it popular during a tour of America and Europe.
"Swing Low Sweet Chariot" was a popular song, sung by slaves in the south as they worked. The lyrics express the need for freedom and go back home physically to Africa, or spiritually, to heaven. The song continues to be a common choice for gospel singers worldwide.
Traditional lyrics
Chorus:
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home,
Swing low, sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.
I looked over Jordan, and what did I see
Coming for to carry me home?
A band of angels coming after me,
Coming for to carry me home.
Chorus
Sometimes I'm up, and sometimes I'm down,
(Coming for to carry me home)
But still my soul feels heavenly bound.
(Coming for to carry me home)
Chorus
The brightest day that I can say,
(Coming for to carry me home)
When Jesus washed my sins away.
(Coming for to carry me home)
Chorus
If I get there before you do,
(Coming for to carry me home)
I'll cut a hole and pull you through.
(Coming for to carry me home)
Chorus
If you get there before I do,
(Coming for to carry me home)
Tell all my friends I'm coming too.
(Coming for to carry me home)
Chorus
"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" has been covered by many artists including:
