The text below is substantially as sung by Andre Solomon-Glover, Opera Ebony (arr. Margaret Bonds, art-song style); I've lightly edited to reflect a more traditional folk-perfomance approach. BTW, "Sing Aho" is a typical effort at matching syllables to tune.... I think "Sing-a O" or even "Sing, O" would have been a more likely approach originally and that it became "Sing Aho" via transcription error when first written down for publication. Yes, I took the liberty of making that assessment... what can I say, this is my area of study after all, so people are free to adhere to the later transcription as sung operatically. :~)
SING O, THAT I HAD THE WINGS OF A DOVE Title generally given as "Sing Aho If I had the Wings of a Dove") Traditional Negro Spiritual
CHO: Sing-a ho that I had the wings of a dove, Sing, ho that I had the wings of a dove, Sing-a ho that I had the wings of a dove, I'd fly away and be at rest.
1. The Virgin Mary had one son; I'd fly away and be at rest. The unbelievers had him hung. I'd fly away and be at rest.
2. Zion's daughters wept and moaned, I'd fly away and be at rest. When their dying Savior groaned. I'd fly away and be at rest.
3. Sinner man, see what a shame, I'd fly away and be at rest. To trample down your Savior's Name! I'd fly away and be at rest.