Wade in the Water
Another African-American spiritual, Wade in the Water, is both beautiful and interesting. The song can be interpreted literally, as spiritual lyrics from the bible comparing slaves in America to the slaves in Egypt. But, this song is also a code from one slave to another, encouraging each other to enter any water they come across if they should escape. That way, any dogs on their trails will lose their scents.
The song is a CALL AND RESPONSE song. One person sings the call (all the changing words) while the rest of the people sing the response (God's gonna trouble the water). Many slave songs follow this format because of their African roots but also because the call and response format lends itself to singing while working in the fields on the plantations.
The song is a CALL AND RESPONSE song. One person sings the call (all the changing words) while the rest of the people sing the response (God's gonna trouble the water). Many slave songs follow this format because of their African roots but also because the call and response format lends itself to singing while working in the fields on the plantations.
Chorus:
Wade in the water Wade in the water, children, Wade in the water God's gonna trouble the water See that host all dressed in white God's gonna trouble the water The leader looks like the Israelite God's gonna trouble the water See that band all dressed in red God's gonna trouble the water Looks like the band that Moses led God's gonna trouble the water Look over yonder, what do you see? God's gonna trouble the water The Holy Ghost a-coming on me God's gonna trouble the water If you don't believe I've been redeemed God's gonna trouble the water Just follow me down to the Jordan's stream God's gonna trouble the water |
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