Down by the Riverside
Down by the Riverside is an African-American spiritual from the time of slavery in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The words can be taken literally or symbolically--in class we discussed what we think they could mean. Take some time to look at the words and listen to the three different versions below. |
Gonna lay down my sword and shield,
Down by the riverside, Down by the riverside, Down by the riverside. Gonna lay down my sword and shield, Down by the riverside, Gonna study war no more. I ain't gonna study war no more, ain't gonna study war no more, study war no more. I ain't gonna study war no more, ain't gonna study war no more, study war no more. Gonna lay down my burdens... Gonna put on my long white robe... (and many other verses exist) |