Folk Song Michael Row the Boat Ashore Lyrics

michael row the boat ashore lyric

African American spirituals are religious songs created by enslaved Africans in the United States. These songs expressed deep faith, hope, and the longing for freedom.

They often used symbols and hidden messages to share feelings or even escape plans. Spirituals were usually sung in groups and passed down by memory.

They later became the foundation for many music styles like gospel, blues, and jazz. These powerful songs continue to inspire people around the world today.

About the Song

Michael Row the Boat Ashore is a spiritual song about crossing over to peace and rest. It uses the image of rowing a boat to describe moving from life into eternal peace with God.

The song is simple, steady, and comforting. It’s often sung in group settings like churches, folk festivals, and memorials.

Detail Information
Released 1880s
Writers Traditional, arranged by folk artists

Michael Row the Boat Ashore Lyrics

Michael Row the Boat Ashore Lyrics

Michael row your boat ashore, hallelujah
Michael row your boat ashore, hallelujah

Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah

Michael row your boat ashore, hallelujah
Michael row your boat ashore, hallelujah

The River Jordan is chilly and cold, hallelujah
Chills the body, but not the soul, hallelujah

Michael row your boat ashore, hallelujah
Michael row your boat ashore, hallelujah

Jordan River is deep and wide, hallelujah
Milk and honey on the other side, hallelujah

Michael row your boat ashore, hallelujah
Michael row your boat ashore, hallelujah

Similar Songs Like Michael Row the Boat Ashore

These spirituals and folk hymns also carry themes of comfort, faith, and strength during hard times. They are easy to remember and often sung in groups.

  • Swing Low, Sweet Chariot: A hopeful song about being carried to heaven, often sung at funerals or during hardship.
  • Wade in the Water: Uses the image of water for protection and freedom, often linked to the Underground Railroad.
  • Kumbaya: A call for God to come close, often sung softly in group prayer or reflection.
  • Go Down Moses: Tells the story of Moses leading people to freedom, symbolizing hope during oppression.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Michael Row the Boat Ashore First Sung?

It dates back to the Civil War era and was first noted in the 1860s on the Sea Islands.

Who Helped Make Michael Row the Boat Ashore Popular?

The Highwaymen released a hit version in 1960, which brought it to radio and folk festivals.

What does Michael Row the Boat Ashore Mean?

It speaks of peace after death and faith in the crossing from life to heaven.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *