In American Songbag (1927), Carl Sandburg says:

an old-time Negro spiritual, "When the Chariot Comes," was made by mountaineers into "She'll Be Comin' Round the Mountain," and the song spread to railroad work gangs in the Midwest U.S. in the 1890's.

When the Chariot Comes
O, who will drive the chariot when she comes?
O, who will drive the chariot when she comes?
O, who will drive the chariot when she comes?
O, who will drive the chariot when she comes?

2. King Jesus, he'll be driver when she comes.

3. She'll be loaded with bright angels when she comes.

4. She will neither rock nor totter when she comes.

5. She will run so level and steady when she comes.

6. She will take us to the portals when she comes.

Gee, and I thought it was just a silly children's song...
-Joe Offer-