"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" is one of the most popular African American spirituals in Christian history. This beloved Christian song rejoices in the future home of God's kingdom, calling on a "sweet chariot" to "carry me home." Read the full lyrics of this popular hymn and watch amazing video performances below!
Refrain:
Swing low, sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.
Swing low, sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.
1 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. Oh, [Refrain]
2 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. Oh, [Refrain]
3 The brightest day that ever I saw
Coming for to carry me home.
When Jesus washed my sins away,
Coming for to carry me home. Oh, [Refrain]
4 I’m sometimes up and sometimes down,
Coming for to carry me home.
But still my soul feels heavenly bound,
Coming for to carry me home. Oh, [Refrain]
The Story Behind Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
According to hymnary.org,
"This is one of the best-known African American spirituals in Christian history. Its source is the oral tradition of African Americans, but the concerts of the Fisk Jubilee Singers (PHH 476) and the Hampton Singers brought "Swing Low" to the attention of white audiences...
Considered by Erik Routley to be one of the "archetypal" African American spirituals, "Swing Low" welcomes death as the occasion "to carry me home" to glory. The text incorporates the imagery of “Jordan” and "chariot" from the Old Testament narratives of Elijah's ascent into heaven (2 Kings 2). In spite of the "ups" and "downs" of earthly life (st. 3), it is comforting for Christians to know with certainty that their final destination is the glory of a new heaven and earth."
