“Michael Row The Boat Ashore” is a popular American folk song that originated in the early 1800s. The song was originally sung by slaves as a work song, but it soon became popular among the general population. The song has since become a staple of American folk music.
The Lyrics
Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, Hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, Hallelujah
The river Jordan is deep and wide, Hallelujah
Milk and honey on the other side, Hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelujah
Jordan’s river is chilly and cold, Hallelujah
Chills the body but not the soul, Hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelujah
The river is deep and the river is wide, Hallelujah
Milk and honey on the other side, Hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelujah
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The lyrics to “Michael Row The Boat Ashore” are steeped in religious imagery. The song is believed to have been sung by slaves as they worked the fields. The river Jordan, mentioned in the song, is a reference to the biblical river that was crossed by the Israelites when they entered the Promised Land.
The lyrics also speak to the idea of crossing over from one world to another. The “milk and honey on the other side” refers to the Promised Land, which was said to be a land of abundance and prosperity. The song is a hopeful one, with its repeated use of the word “Hallelujah” and the idea that the soul will not be affected by the cold waters of the Jordan.
The History of the Song
“Michael Row The Boat Ashore” is believed to have originated in the early 1800s, during the time of slavery in America. The song was likely sung by slaves as they worked in the fields or on the river. The song was passed down through the generations and eventually became a staple of American folk music.
The song gained popularity in the 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement. The song’s message of hope and perseverance resonated with activists who were fighting for racial equality. The song has since been covered by many artists, including Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger.
The Legacy of the Song
“Michael Row The Boat Ashore” is a song that has stood the test of time. Its message of hope and perseverance has resonated with generations of Americans. The song’s use of religious imagery has also made it a popular choice for church choirs and gospel singers.
The song’s legacy continues to this day, with new generations of musicians discovering and performing the song. The song’s message of hope and perseverance is as relevant today as it was when it was first sung by slaves in the fields.
Conclusion
“Michael Row The Boat Ashore” is a song that speaks to the human spirit. Its message of hope and perseverance has resonated with generations of Americans. The song’s use of religious imagery has also made it a popular choice for church choirs and gospel singers. The song’s legacy continues to this day, with new generations of musicians discovering and performing the song. The song’s message of hope and perseverance is as relevant today as it was when it was first sung by slaves in the fields.
