Starting with its roots in traditional African American spirituals, Wade in the Water has long been a powerful anthem of freedom and hope.
Ella Jenkins, known for her contributions to children’s folk music, brought new life to the song with her heartfelt renditions, making it accessible to a wider audience.
The Ramsey Lewis Trio also added their own touch, infusing jazz elements that gave the song a smooth, contemporary feel while maintaining its deep message of perseverance and strength.
Harry T. Burleigh’s arrangements, with their blend of classical and spiritual elements, also helped elevate the song’s impact, making it a lasting piece of American music history.
Their versions helped bridge the gap between past traditions and modern interpretations.
About the Song
Wade in the Water is a powerful spiritual song that speaks of freedom and strength. Its lyrics encourage listeners to stay strong and trust in a brighter future.
Each artist brought a unique sound to the project. Though the music changes, the message stays the same: Finding strength and hope in difficult times. It symbolizes the journey to freedom.
| Artist | Released | Album | Writer | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Version | Unknown | N/A | Traditional | N/A |
| Ella Jenkins | 1960s | African American Folk Rhythms | Ella Jenkins | Ella Jenkins |
| The Ramsey Lewis Trio | 2004 | Time Flies | Traditional, arranged by Ramsey Lewis | Ramsey Lewis |
| Harry T. Burleigh | N/A | N/A | Traditional, arranged by Harry T. Burleigh | N/A |
Traditional Lyrics of Wade in the Water
Wade in the water
Wade in the water, children,
Wade in the water
God’s a-going to trouble the water
See that host all dressed in white
God’s a-going to trouble the water
The leader looks like the Israelite
God’s a-going to trouble the water
See that band all dressed in red
God’s a-going to trouble the water
Looks like the band that Moses led
God’s a-going to trouble the water
Look over yonder, what do you see?
God’s a-going to trouble the water
The Holy Ghost a-coming on me
God’s a-going to trouble the water
If you don’t believe I’ve been redeemed
God’s a-going to trouble the water
Just follow me down to the Jordan’s stream
God’s a-going to trouble the water
Wade in the Water Lyrics by Ella Jenkins
(Wade in the water)
(Wade in the water)
Wade in the water
Wade in the water
Wade in the water, children
God is gonna trouble these waters
See that band all dressed in white
God is gonna trouble these waters
It look like a band of the Israelites
God is gonna trouble these waters
See that band all dressed in red
God is gonna trouble these waters
Look like a band that Moses led
God is gonna trouble these waters
My Lord delivered Daniel well
Daniel well, Daniel well
Didn’t my Lord deliver Daniel well
Then why not every man?
Man went down to the river
Man went down to the river, Lord
Man went down to the river
Went down there for to pray
Man went down to the river
Man went down to the river, Lord
Man went down to the river
To wash his sins all away
Washed all day, washed all night
Washed till his hands were sore
Washed all day, washed all night
Till he couldn’t wash a-no more
(Hey)
Man went down to the river
Man went down to the river, Lord
Man went down to the river
Went down there for to pray
Man went down to the river
Man went down to the river, Lord
Man went down to the river
Washed his sins all away
Wade in the water
Wade in the water, children
Wade in the water
God is gonna trouble these waters
Wade in the water
Wade in the water, children
Wade in the water
God is gonna trouble these waters
God is gonna trouble these waters
God is gonna trouble these waters
Wade in the Water Lyrics by The Ramsey Lewis Trio
Chorus
Wade in the water
Wade in the water children
Wade in the water
Don’t you know that
God’s gonna trouble the water
Don’t you know that
God’s gonna trouble the water
I stepped in water and the water is cold
Don’t you know that
God’s gonna trouble the water
Said it chilled my body but not my soul
Don’t you know that
God’s gonna trouble the water
Chorus
Well I went to the water one day to pray
Don’t you know that
God’s gonna trouble the water
And my soul got happy and I stayed all day
Don’t you know that
God’s gonna trouble the water
Chorus
There is love
(In the water)
In the water
(In the water)
There is joy yeah
(In the water)
In your water yeah
(In the water)
Your peace
(In the water)
Is in the water
(In the water)
Your deliverance
(In the water)
Is in the water yeah
(In the water)
Oh step in, step in
(In the water)
Joy is in the water
In the water yeah
(In the water)
Oh step in, step in
(In the water)
Love is in the water
(In the water)
Oh step in yeah
(In the water)
For deliverance
(In the water)
Everything
(In the water)
In the water yeah
Everything you need
(In the water)
Everything you need
(In the water)
Everything you need
(In the water)
Everything you need
(In the water)
Everything you need
(In the water)
Everything you need
(In the water)
Everything you need
(In the water)
Everything you need
(In the water)
God’s gonna trouble the water
God’s gonna trouble the water
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
God’s gonna trouble the water
(Ooh)
God’s gonna trouble the water
Oh wade in the water
Wade in the Water Lyrics by Harry T. Burleigh
Wade in de water,
Wade in de water, children,
Wade in de water,
God’s a-goin’ to trouble de water.
See dat band all dress’d in white,
God’s a-goin’ to trouble de water.
De Leader looks like de Israelite,
God’s a-goin’ to trouble de water.
Wade in de water,
Wade in de water, children,
Wade in de water,
God’s a-goin’ to trouble de water.
See dat band all dress’d in red,
God’s a-goin’ to trouble de water
It looks like de band dat Moses led.
God’s a-goin’ to trouble de water.
Wade in de water,
Wade in de water, children,
Wade in de water,
God’s a-goin’ to trouble de water.
Similar Songs Like Wade in the Water
If you enjoyed Wade in the Water, you might also like these songs from Ella Jenkins, The Ramsey Lewis Trio, and Harry T. Burleigh:
- Deep River: It is a soulful spiritual song arranged by Burleigh, Deep River carries the same emotional depth and historical weight as Wade in the Water.
- The “In” Crowd: Uplifting, rhythmic, and one of their most popular live recordings, blending jazz with pop sensibilities.
- Sun Goddess: A lush, soulful instrumental blending jazz, funk, and R&B. Showcases the group’s cross-genre appeal, featuring members of Earth, Wind & Fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Musical Genre does Wade in the Water Belong to?
Originally a spiritual, the song has been adapted into various genres, including gospel, jazz, blues, and even contemporary worship music.
Who are Other Artists that Covered Wade in the Water?
Besides Ella Jenkins and The Ramsey Lewis Trio, the song has been covered by artists like Sam Cooke, Mavis Staples, and even The Blind Boys of Alabama, each adding their own style to the spiritual.
What is the History Behind Wade in the Water?
Wade in the Water originated as an African American spiritual, sung by enslaved people to signal escape routes and give hope to those seeking freedom.
