Deep River, part II

[MikeWaters]

I listened to that rendition of Deep River about 15 times today.

You read the lyrics, you feel the plaintive longing.

It's very easy to see how the Christianity of Blacks during the time of slavery was intricately tied to the desire for the promised land of the Old Tesatment--freedom.

|: Deep River, my home is over Jordan,
Deep River, Lord,
I want to cross over into campground. :|
Oh don't you want to go
To that gospel feast,
That promised land
Where all is peace.

It's really beautiful. Not one inauthentic word, not one inauthentic note.

Truly, there is a place for this in God's house. Maybe not in every ward in every sacrament meeting under the direction of every bishop, but in God's house, he hears this song.

[MikeWaters]

I would like to hear MoTab's version:

http://www.amazon.com/Peace-River-Mo...6021071&sr=8-2

[YOhio]

Great song Mike. I love spirituals. The MoTab version is predictable, but very solid. I like the Choir though so I'm not an impartial judge.

Another great spiritual is Poor Wayfaring Stranger. MoTab does a nice version, but my absolute favorite is done by Johnny Cash. In the year or two prior to his death he did some hauntingly beautiful spirituals. Definitely worth listening to.

I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger

I am a poor wayfaring stranger
A-trav'ling through this land of woe.
And there's no sickness, toil or danger
In that bright world to which I go.
I'm going home to see my father (mother, sister, brother etc.)
I'm going there no more to roam;
I'm just a-going over Jordan
I'm just a-going over home.

I know dark clouds will gather 'round me
I know my way is steep and rough;
But beauteous fields lie just beyond me
Where souls redeemed their vigil keep.
I'm going there to meet my mother
She said she'd meet me when I come
I'm just a-going over Jordan
I'm just a-going over home.
I want to wear a crown of glory
When I get home to that bright land
I want to shout Salvation's story
In concert with that bloodwashed band.
I'm going there to meet my Saviour
To sing His praises forevermore
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home.

[MikeWaters]

Originally Posted by YOhio

Great song Mike. I love spirituals. The MoTab version is predictable, but very solid. I like the Choir though so I'm not an impartial judge.

Another great spiritual is Poor Wayfaring Stranger. MoTab does a nice version, but my absolute favorite is done by Johnny Cash. In the year or two prior to his death he did some hauntingly beautiful spirituals. Definitely worth listening to.

What album?

[YOhio]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

What album?

Poor Wayfaring Stranger is on American III: Solitary Man.

http://www.amazon.com/American-III-S...938324-8394831

Any of Johnny Cash's American label albums (American 1-5 and Unearthed) will have some great spirituals. Songs like Unchained, Spiritual, Redemption, and Man Comes Around are all fantastic.

[YOhio]

Another good one, released after his death. Would be a fine sacrament meeting number.