JOHN SAW (DE HOLY NUMBER)

Cho.
[John saw, oh John saw, John saw de holy number,
Settin' on de golden altar.

1. Worthy, worthy is the Lamb, is the Lamb, is the Lamb,
Worthy, worthy is the Lamb, settin' on de golden altar].

2. Mary wept and Martha cried, settin' on etc.
To see de'r Saviour crucified, settin' on etc.
Weepin' Mary, weep no more, settin' on etc.
Jesus say He gone before, settin' on etc.
Cho. (now plus 1st verse)
3. Want to go to Hebben when I die, settin' on etc.
Shout salvation as I fly, settin' on etc.
It's a little while longer here below, settin' on etc.
Den-a home to Glory we shall go, settin' on etc.
Cho. (now plus 1st verse)

Thomas P. Fenner, Camp and Plantation Songs, p. 196, in Hampton and Its Students, M. F. Armstrong and H. W. Ludlow. There are several spirituals and gospel songs that mention the Holy Number. This one, published 1874, is one of the oldest recorded.
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Lyr. Add: HOLY BRIGHT NUMBER

I want to join that Holy Bright Number, (3 times)
For to turn some ransomed one home.
(Sing couplet twice)

Numbered one hundred an' forty-four thousand, (3 times)
For to turn some ransomed one home
(Sing couplet twice)

Dat Holy Bright Number I wants to join, (3 times)
For to turn some ransomed one home.
(Sing couplet twice)

The McDonald Family, near Livingston, AL. John and Ruby Lomax 1939 Southern States Recording Trip. Click on Links at top of page and go to Lomax Collection for notes and sound.

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