Alison Krauss is a singer, songwriter, and fiddler widely recognized for her superb talent in bluegrass and country music. Born on July 23, 1971, in Decatur, Illinois, Krauss’s musical career began at a young age.
By the age of 14, she was already performing professionally, and by 16, she had signed her first record deal. Her pure, angelic voice and virtuosic fiddling earned her national recognition, and she soon became a defining figure in the bluegrass genre.
Krauss’s music blends bluegrass, country, and folk inspirations, with her work often featuring rich harmonies and intricate arrangements.
About the Song
Down to the River to Pray is a deeply moving gospel featured in the film O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000). The song’s spiritual lyrics and haunting melody awaken themes of faith, redemption, and the search for peace.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | December 5, 2000 |
| Album | A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection (2007) |
| Writers | Traditional |
| Producers | T Bone Burnett |
Down to the River to Pray Lyrics
Chorus
As I went down in the river to pray
Studyin’ about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the starry crown?
Good Lord, show me the way
Verse 1
O, sisters, let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
O, sisters, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
Chorus
As I went down in the river to pray
Studyin’ about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the robe and crown?
Good Lord, show me the way
Verse 2
O, brothers, let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
Come on, brothers, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
Chorus
As I went down in the river to pray
Studyin’ about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the starry crown?
Good Lord, show me the way
Verse 3
O, fathers, let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
O fathers, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
Chorus
As I went down in the river to pray
Studyin’ about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the robe and crown?
Good Lord, show me the way
Verse 4
O, mothers, let’s go down
Come on down, don’t you wanna go down?
Come on, mothers, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
Chorus
As I went down in the river to pray
Studyin’ about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the starry crown?
Good Lord, show me the way
Verse 5
O, sinners, let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
O, sinners, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
Chorus
As I went down in the river to pray
Studyin’ about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the robe and crown?
Good Lord, show me the way
Similar Songs Like Down to the River to Pray
Here’s a list of similar songs like Down to the River to Pray that you might love to try out:
- When You Say Nothing at All: It is a gentle ballad that shows Alison Krauss’s pure, angelic voice and the depth of love and unspoken communication.
- The Lucky One: This track tells the story of someone finding peace and happiness despite adversity. The artist’s delicate voice and the song’s harmonious blend of bluegrass and country make it a standout in her catalog.
- Baby, Now That I’ve Found You: This upbeat track combines Krauss’s bluegrass roots with a catchy pop sensibility, showcasing her skills as both a vocalist and fiddler, and featuring an infectious melody that lifts the spirit.
Similar Artists Like Alison Krauss
Below is the list of similar pop artists with a soothing and calm voice that you might love to browse through:
- Emmylou Harris
Genre: Country, Americana, Folk
Top Albums: Pieces of the Sky (1975), Wrecking Ball (1995), Luxury Liner (1977) - Dolly Parton
Genre: Country, Bluegrass, Pop
Top Albums: Jolene (1973), The Grass is Blue (1999), 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs (1980) - Union Station
Genre: Bluegrass, Country, Americana
Top Albums: So Long So Wrong (1997), New Favorite (2001), The Farewell Album (2004) - Lucinda Williams
Genre: Americana, Country, Rock
Top Albums: Car Wheels on a Gravel Road (1998), Essence (2001), World Without Tears (2003)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Alternate Titles for the Song Down to the River to Pray?
The song is also known as Down in the River to Pray, Down in the Valley to Pray, The Good Old Way, and Come, Let Us All Go Down.
What is Down to the River to Pray About?
The lyrics serve as a call to prayer and faith, often linked to baptism and spiritual cleansing. The river symbolizes both a literal place for baptism and, in some interpretations, a coded reference to escape routes for enslaved people seeking freedom.
How did Down to the River to Pray Become Widely Known in Modern Times?
The song gained renewed popularity after Alison Krauss performed it for the 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, which introduced it to a global audience.
