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30 Jun 10 - 03:09 PM (#2937447) Subject: St. Helena Island Spirituals Permathread From: Q (Frank Staplin)
This thread will be edited by Q. Feel free to post to this thread, but remember that all messages posted here are subject to editing or deletion. -Joe Offer- Saint Helena Island Spirituals Recorded and Transcribed at Penn Normal Industrial and Agricultural School. This edited permathread contains the spirituals collected by Nicholas George Julius Ballanta-(Taylor) on Saint Helena Island, Beaufort County, South Carolina. Mr. Ballanta-(Taylor), African of Sierra Leone, had taught himself music from Sir John Stainer's book on harmony. He tendered a composition in 1922 to the editor of Musical Courier, and was sent to Walter Damrosch, the conductor, who in turn sent him to his brother at the Institure of Musical Art. The spirituals are the result of Ballanta's residence at the Penn School and collections from the Black residents on the Island. He received a diploma in 1924 from the Institute of Musical Art, and the spirituals were printed for use at the Penn School. A few copies were sold to the public by G. Schirmer, New York. The book was copyright in 1925 by Penn Normal, Industrial and Agricultural School. Mr. Ballanta received a Bachelor of Music Degree from Durham University, and returned to Africa to do research in Sierra Leone and neighboring countries. Taylor was a Christian name bestowed on Mr. Ballanta's grandfather by missionaries. The lyrics of the spirituals are in the dialect of the Saint Helena Island inhabitants, as it was in the 1920s. Differences in punctuation, spelling or grammar in the texts not edited. Spirituals noted as "Unique to Saint Helena Island" have not been found in other collections; they may have been noted in MS. or not collected from other South Carolina Low Country localities. All spirituals with musical score. INDEX All I Do the Church Keep-a Grumblin' All My Sins Done Taken Away All Obuh Dis World At de Jedgment Bar Aye Lawd Don't Leabe Me Bear Yo' Burden Bin a Listenin' Blow Yo' Gospel Trumpet Come, Come, Come and Go wid Me Comin' Here Tonight Cyan' Hide Sinner Cyan' Hide Daniel in de Lion's Den De Angel in Heben Gwine to Write Muh Name De Angel Roll de Stone Away De Angels Are Watchin' obuh Me Death Is Goin' to Lay His Cold Icy Han' on Me De Blood Done Sign My Name De Ole Ship Marie De Po' Heathens Are Dyin' Dere Is Rest Fo' de Weary Trabbler De Sea Gwine Deliver Up de Dry Bones Do Don't Touch My Garment Don't Get Weary Don't Let de Wind Blow Here No More Don't Yo' Hab Eberybody fo' Yo' Fr'en Don't yo' Hear de Lam's a Cryin' Dust an' Ashes Eagle's Wings Eb'rybody Wants to Know Jis How I Die Ebery Time I Feels de Spirit Ennyhow Muh Lawd Fix Me Jedus Give Me Jedus Glory Glory Hallelujah Good News Go Round, Go Round Go Tell It on de Mountain Handwritin' on de Wall Heben Goin' to Be Muh Home Heben Is a Beautiful Place Hold Out Holy, Holy, Yo' Promise to Answer Prayer How Can I Pray How Long de Train Been Gone How Yo' Do Believer, How Yo' Do Today I Ain't Gwine Grief Muh Lawd No Mo' I Am Bound fo' de Promised Lan' O Am Goin' obuh Dere I Am Huntin' fo' a City I Am Not Afraid to Die I Got a Letter dis Mornin' I Got a Mother in de Bright Shinin' World I Hab a Leader obuh Dere I Lub Muh Blessed Saviour I'm a Runnun' fo' Muh Life I'm a Trabblin' to de Land I'm Goin' Down to de Ribbuh ob Jerden To be continued. |
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30 Jun 10 - 05:38 PM (#2937514) Subject: RE: St. Helena Island Spirituals Permathread From: Q (Frank Staplin) INDEX (con't.) I'm Goin' to See Muh Lovin' Father When I Git Home I'm Goin' to Wait Till de Holy Ghost Come I Wants to Climb Up Jacob's Ladder I Want to Die Easy When I Die Jedus Blood Done Make Me Whole Jedus Done Just What He Said John Saw de Number No Man Could Number King Jedus Is My Only Fr'en' Let Us Break Bread Together on Our Knees Look-a How They Done Muh Lawd Look What a Wonder Jedus Done Mary Had a Baby, Aye Lawd Mary Had a Baby (No. 2) Mary Had a Baby (No. 3) Mary Had a Leetle Baby Moses Smote de Water My Head Wet wid de Midnight Dew My Time Is Come Nobody Knows de Trouble I've Seen No Mo' My Dear Brudder Oh Let Me Shine, Shine Like de Mornin' Star Oh Nebbuh Me One Oh Sister Git Yo' Ticket Right Oh Wrastlin' Jacob (See Wrastlin' Jacob No. 1, No. 2) O Lord Dese Bones of Mine Comin' Together in the Mornin' O Ride On Jedus O Watch de Stars Pray Is de Key to de Kingdom Rise Up, Shepherd an' Foller Roll Him Out Again Roll Jerdon Roll Room Enough in de Hebben Same Train Save Me Jedus, Save Me Now Save Me Now Save Me Someimes Muh Trubble Mek Me Tremble Some Will Lub Yo' and Some Will Hate Yo' Sweet Watuh Rollin' Too Late To See Gawd's Bleedin' Lam' T'ree Long Nights and T'ree Long Days Walk in Jerusalem Jis Like John Way Bye and Bye Wheel in a Wheel When de Train Comes Along When I Am Gone, Gone, Gone When I Git to Heben in Muh Elbow Chair Who Lock de Lion's Jaw Wrastlin' Jacob (No. 1) Wrastlin' Jacob (No. 2) Yo' Better Run, Run, Run Yo' Better Run to the City of Refuge Yo' Cyan' Find a New Hidin' Place Yo' Go I Go wid Yo' Yo' Must Hab dat True Religion Yo' Publican, Yo' Pharisee |
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30 Jun 10 - 05:40 PM (#2937516) Subject: All I Do de Church Keep-a Grumblin' From: Q (Frank Staplin) 85. All I Do de Church Keep-a Grumblin'
1 All I do de church keep a grumblin' all I do,
2 All I do muh mother keep a grumblin' (or can't satify.)
For other verses, use the words "Father," "Brother," "Sister," "Deacon," "Pastor," etc. |
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30 Jun 10 - 06:15 PM (#2937532) Subject: All My Sins Done Taken Away From: Q (Frank Staplin) 8. All My Sins Done Taken Away Chorus- O all muh sins done taken away All muh sins done taken away All muh sins done taken away All glory praise his name All muh sins done taken away done taken away.- 1 O Jedus rides dat milk white hawss O Jedus rides dat milk white hawss O Jedus rides dat milk white hawss All glory praise his name All muh sins done taken away done taken away. 2 Ole Satan rides dat iron grey 3 O Mary weep and Martha mourn 4 O Paul and Silas bound in chain 5 O one did sing while de odduh pray. The verses are sung to the same melody as the chorus. The first line of each verse is repeated twice and each verse is concluded as the first verse is. The chorus may or not be sung after every verse; this is left to the discretion of the leader. It is, however, always sung after the last verse. Variants in Carl Diton, Thirty-six South Carolina Spirituals and E. A. McIlhenny, Befo' de War Spirituals. |
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30 Jun 10 - 08:26 PM (#2937606) Subject: All Obuh dis World From: Q (Frank Staplin) 62. All Obuh dis World Chorus- All obuh dis world, All obuh dis world, All obuh dis world, All obuh dis world. 1 Pray meetin' time will soon be obuh, Pray meetin' time will soon be obuh, Pray meetin' time will soon be obuh all obuh dis world. 2 Gamblin' time will soon be obuh All obuh dis world. 3 Lyin' time will soon be obuh All obuh dis world. Variants in E. A. McIlhenny, Befo' de War Spirituals; F. J. Work, Folk Songs of the American Negro. |
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30 Jun 10 - 09:23 PM (#2937617) Subject: At de Jedgment Bar From: Q (Frank Staplin) 64. At the Jedgment Bar Only one line of the music of this chorus and solo song is printed (p. 51, no. 64), the rest omitted. Chorus At de jedgment bar Solo (omitted) Several "Little Black Train" spirituals mention the Judgement Bar. These are posted in "The Little Black Train" thread 31582. "That Little Black Train Is A Comin'," version in M. A. Grissom, The Negro Sings a New Heaven: Part verse: That little black train and engine An' a little baggage car, With idle thoughts and wicked deeds, Must stop at the judgement bar. (thread 31582 for complete song) "The Little Black Train" in Dorothy Scarborough, On the Trail of Negro Folksongs: Similar verse to one collected by Grissom, above. "The Little Black Train" in Lomax, Our Singing Country; There's a little black train and engine, And one small baggage car; You won't need to have much baggage To come to the judgement bar. Kurt Weill used "Little Black Train", with the line 'You rich old fool, at the judgement bar', in his folk opera "Down in the Valley." Joe Armstrong and group, St. Simon's Island, sang a song "Blow Gabriel (Judgement Bar)" recorded on a Georgia Sea Island Singers recording. The last may be similar to the missing spiritual, but I don't have the recording. From the poetry of James Weldon Johnson: "The Judgement Day" God's Trombones: Seven Negro Sermons in Verse, 1927. "And the living and the dead in the twinkling of an eye Are caught up in the middle of the air, Before God's judgement bar." |
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30 Jun 10 - 09:35 PM (#2937621) Subject: Aye Lawd Don't Leabe Me From: Q (Frank Staplin) 11. Aye Lawd Don't Leabe Me Chorus- Cryin' aye Lawd don't leabe me cryin' aye Lawd don't leabe me cryin' aye Lawd don't leabe me but guide me on muh way. Solo 1 When I wuz a sinner- I lub muh distance well but when I come to find muh self I wuz hangin' obuh hell. D. C. Chorus 2 I went down to de ribbuh ob Jerdan and step on de sea ob glass Ole Satan t'aw't dat I fell in but I got to heben at las'. 3 De train at de station blowin' for rich and poor Dem dat hab dere tickets reddy will jump on de train and go. Not recorded in other collections. |
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30 Jun 10 - 10:13 PM (#2937633) Subject: Bear Yo' Burden From: Q (Frank Staplin) 14. Bear Yo' Burden Chorus Bear yo' burden bear yo' burden bear yo' burden bear yo' burden in de heat ob de day. 1 Solo Hypocrite, hypocrite God despise Chorus Bear yo' burden in de heat ob de day Solo Tongue so keen and he'll tell lies Chorus Bear yo' burden in de heat ob de day. 2 One ob dese days about twelve o'clock Bear yo' burden in de heat ob de day Dis ole wor'l's goin' to reel and rock Bear yo' burden in de heat ob de day. 3 One ob dese mornin' bright and fair Bear yo' burden in de heat ob de day Goin' to take muh flight in de middle ob de air Bear yo' burden in de heat ob de day. Bear de Burden, variant in C. C. White, Forty Negro Spirituals..... Verse about Elijah. |
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30 Jun 10 - 10:50 PM (#2937645) Subject: Bin a Listenin' From: Q (Frank Staplin) Bin a Listenin' 1 I have bin a listenin' all de night long have bin a listenin' all day I have bin a listenin' all de night long- to hear some sinner pray. 2 Some say gie me silber- Some say gie me gold- but i say gie me de grace of Gawd 'Tis precious to my soul. 3 Go read de fifth of Matthew- And read de chapter t'ru- It is a guide to christians It will tell you what to do. 4 Some day John de Baptis Wuz nuttin' but a Jew But de Holy Bible tells us (teaches me) Dat John wuz a Preacher too. One of a few "melodies which have appeared in other collections are inserted here on account of their historical interest in connection with the Islands or because they are frequently sung there." "I've Been a-List'ning All de Night Long," R. N. Dett, Religious Folk-Songs of the Negro as Sung at Hampton Institute Variants in several collections. |
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01 Jul 10 - 04:05 AM (#2937720) Subject: RE: St. Helena Island Spirituals Permathread From: greg stephens Where are the tunes? Am I missing something? Greg, the tunes are in the book. Perhaps volunteers would prepare midis of selected tunes. I could scan some for them, but it would take much time to do them all. |
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01 Jul 10 - 01:42 PM (#2938005) Subject: Blow Yo' Gospel Trumpet From: Q (Frank Staplin) 52. Blow Yo' Gospel Trumpet Blow yo' gospel trumpet- blow yo' silbuh horn When I git to heben goin' to shout all around God's t'rone. Leader: Sister Mary- Chorus sings additional verses. This song "is repeated several times; each repeat is started by the leader who gives the clue by singing "Sister Mary," "O Mother," "O Brother," O Leader," etc. |
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01 Jul 10 - 01:51 PM (#2938013) Subject: Come, Come, Come and Go wid Me From: Q (Frank Staplin) 79. Come, Come, Come and Go wid Me 1 Come, come, come and go wid me, Come, come, come and go wid me Come, come, come and go wid me Oh Hallelujah Amen. 2 If yo' are a Christian come and go wid me, etc. Oh Hallelujah, Amen. 3 If yo' are a warrior come and go wid me, etc. Oh Hallelujah, Amen. 4 If yo' are a true believer come and go wid me, etc. Oh Hallelujah, Amen. 5 Christ told the blind man, go to de ribbuh and bade (bathe), etc. Oh Hallelujah, Amen. 6 Christ told Nicodemus, yo' must be born again, etc. Oh Hallelujah, Amen. Variant with 11 verses collected in Charleston area islands; A. T. Smythe et al., The Carolina Low-Country.
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01 Jul 10 - 02:11 PM (#2938025) Subject: Comin' Here Tonight From: Q (Frank Staplin) 38. Comin' Here Tonight 1 Brudder I nebbuh know I comin' here tonight Yes my Lawd my Lawd I come Brudder I nebbuh know I comin' here tonight Yes my Lawd my Lawd I come. 2 I come to my Father's will--- *Yes my Lawd I come. 3 My Father's will it mus' be done--- Yes my Lawd I come. 4 I come to save dis sinful race--- Yes my Lawd I come. * my Lawd probably repeated, as in the first verse. Not reported in other collections. |
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01 Jul 10 - 02:18 PM (#2938030) Subject: Cyan' Hide Sinner Cyan' Hide From: Q (Frank Staplin) 37. Cyan' Hide Sinner Cyan' Hide 1 Cyan' hide sinner cyan' hide Cyan' hide sinner cyan' hide Cyan' hide sinner cyan' hide Cyan' hide sinner cyan' hide. 2 Cyan' hide liar, cyan' hide, etc. 3 Cyan' hide gambler, cyan' hide, etc. 4 Cyan' hide hypocrite, cyan' hide, etc. |
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01 Jul 10 - 02:28 PM (#2938032) Subject: Daniel in de Lion's Den From: Q (Frank Staplin) 50. Daniel in de Lion's Den 1 Daniel in de lion's den, Daniel in de lion's den, Daniel in de lion's den, Daniel in de lion's den, Daniel in de lion's den, Daniel in de lion's den.- 2 Oh de Angel lock de lion's jaws, etc. 3 Oh how-a could Daniel pray, etc. 4 Daniel pray three times a day, etc. ('Lion's den' repeated after third and fourth lines, similar repetition in other verses). |
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01 Jul 10 - 02:37 PM (#2938034) Subject: De Angel in Heben Gwine to Write Muh Name From: Q (Frank Staplin) 41. De Angel in Heben Gwine to Write Muh Name 1 Chorus O write muh name O write muh name O write muh name de Angel in de heben gwine to write muh name Solo Write muh name wid a golden pen Chorus De angel in de heben gwine to write muh name. 2 Write muh name when I git home De angel in de heben gwine to write muh name. 3 Write muh name on de book of life De angel in de heben gwine to write muh name. |
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01 Jul 10 - 08:16 PM (#2938226) Subject: De Angel Roll de Stone Away From: Q (Frank Staplin) 97. De Angel Roll de Stone Away 1 De angel roll de stone away De angel roll de stone away 'Twas on that bright and shiny mounin' (mornin') De angel roll de stone away. 2 De angel roll de stone away De angel roll de stone away 'Twas on a bright and shiny mornin' De angel roll de stone away. 3 I saw sister Mary come a runnin' It was just at de break o' day And she brought de news from heben How de angel roll de stone away. 4 Won't yo' tell me where Lazrus lay Won't yo' tell me where Lazrus lay 'Twas on a bright and shiny mornin' When de angel roll de stone away. 5 I saw my mother come a runnin' It was just at de break o' day And she brought de news from hebben How de angel roll de stone away. 6 De angel roll de stone away De angel roll de stone away 'Twas on a bright and shiny mornin' When de angel roll de stone away. 7 I saw my sister come a-runnin' It was just at the break o' day And she brought de news from heben How de angel roll de stone away. |
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01 Jul 10 - 08:29 PM (#2938233) Subject: De Angels Are Watchin' obuh Me From: Q (Frank Staplin) 21. De Angels Are Watchin' obuh Me Chorus- All night, all night de angels are warchin' obuh me All night, all night de angels are watchin' obuh me.- 1 Someday Peter and someday Paul de Angels are watchin' obuh me- Ain't but one Gawd made us all De Angels are watchin' obuh me.- 2 You git dere befo' I do de Angels are watchin' obuh me- Tell all my fr'en's I'm coming too De angels are watchin' obuh me. |
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01 Jul 10 - 09:13 PM (#2938249) Subject: Death Is Goin' to Lay His Cold Icy Han' on Me From: Q (Frank Staplin) 91. Death Is Goin' to Lay His Cold Icy Han' on Me Chorus- Death is goin' to lay his cold icy han' on me- Death is goin' to lay his cold icy han' on me.- 1 One mornin' I wuz walkin' long I heard a voice and saw no man, Said go in peace and sin no mo' yo sins forgiv'n and yo' soul set free. D. C. 2 One o' dese mornin's it won't be long Yo' look fo' me an' I'll be gone, One o' dese mornin's 'bout twelve o'clock Dis ole world's goin' to reel and rock. |
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01 Jul 10 - 09:23 PM (#2938252) Subject: De Blood Done Sign My Name From: Q (Frank Staplin) 78. De Blood Done Sign My Name 1 Oh de blood Oh de blood Oh de blood done sign muh name Oh de blood Oh de blood Oh de blood done sign muh name. Chorus- Oh de blood Oh de blood Oh de blood done sign muh name t'ank God de blood done sign muh name. 2 In a mornin' In a mornin' Oh de blood done sign mah name. In a mornin' In a mornin' Oh de blood done sign mah name. 3 Got a witness, got a witness Oh de blood done sign mah name. etc. 4 Why you doubtful, why you doubtful Oh de blood done sign mah name. 5 How you knows it, how you knows it Oh de blood done sign mah name. Variant in Carl Diton, Thirty-six South Carolina Spirituals. |
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01 Jul 10 - 09:38 PM (#2938256) Subject: De Ole Ship Marie (Maria) From: Q (Frank Staplin) 35. De Ole Ship Marie* (Maria) 1 'Tis de ole ship Maria Don't yo' want to go 'Tis de ole ship Maria Don't yo' want to go 'Tis de ole ship Maria Don't yo' want to go O Lam' of God I come I come. 2 She's comin' hebby loaded, Don't yo' want to go O Lam' of God I come. 3 She's loaded with bright angels, Don't yo' want to go O Lam' of God I come. 4 Git oil in yo' vessel, Don't yo' want to go O Lam' of God I come. 5 She nebbuh lend nor borruh, Don't yo' want to go O Lam' of God I come. * Title and Index have 'Marie', First verse has 'Maria'. |
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01 Jul 10 - 10:06 PM (#2938260) Subject: De Po' Heathens Are Dyin' From: Q (Frank Staplin) 13. De Po' Heathens Are Dyin' 1 De po' heathens are dyin' de po' heathens are dyin' de po' heathens are dyin'; dyin'; dyin'; dyin'; dyin'. 2 Oh send dem some teachers, Oh send dem some teachers, Oh send dem some teachers, teachers, teachers, teachers, teachers. 2 Oh send dem some Bibles Oh send dem some Bibles Oh send dem some Bibles Bibles! Bibles! Bibles! Bibles! 3 Oh send dem some preachers Oh send dem some preachers Oh send dem some preachers Preachers, preachers, preachers, preachers. 4 Oh Lawd hab mercy Oh Lawd hab mercy Oh Lawd hab mercy Mercy, mercy, mercy, mercy. Not recorded in other collections. |
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01 Jul 10 - 10:37 PM (#2938271) Subject: RE: St. Helena Island Spirituals Permathread From: Richie Great work Q, Thanks for posting this rare collection. Many of these songs are versions of spirituals that have been published with music. There's no reason to scan the music for these unless the arrangement is significantly different. As I remember George Pullen Jackson seemed to think Mr. Ballanta-(Taylor)'s arrangements were suspect. The songs where no standard/earlier versions exsist, can't be learned as they were sung without music. So perhaps a short list of those songs that couls/should be scanned. Richie |
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02 Jul 10 - 04:13 AM (#2938347) Subject: RE: St. Helena Island Spirituals Permathread From: greg stephens Access to the tunes would certainly be fantastic if someone could do it. I gather the book is not available, is that right|? |
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02 Jul 10 - 02:27 PM (#2938658) Subject: RE: St. Helena Island Spirituals Permathread From: Q (Frank Staplin) Greg- I seem to be the only mudcat with a copy. I will help with scans, but all would be a lot of work. ---------------------------------- Richie- all arrangements of the spirituals are "suspect." An 'authority' such as George Pullen Johnson is 'suspect' for applying that epithet to the work of others, including Mr. Ballanta, with his background in the music of western Africa, and his work in the field on Saint Helena Island. Spirituals, especially in the islands off the South Carolina and Georgia shores, were handed down by word of mouth or from "ear to ear." As a result there are variations in notes and emphasis among the regions. There is no way that written notation can reproduce the swing, or the harmonies, of the spirituals as they were sung in the small churches or under the sky. I am not enough of a musician to get into discussions of flatted sevenths, etc. nor do I think such discussion belongs here. Anyone interested in the relation of African to slave to school-mission-taught music will find much in Krehbiel and later authorities. As frozen in sheet music, the spirituals became 'standardized'. Much of the early notation, e. g., songs of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, were arranged by musicians trained in the Western traditions; the arrangements reflect that training. Moreover, verses were revised and taught and sometimes added to better suit their tastes and beliefs. |
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02 Jul 10 - 05:28 PM (#2938754) Subject: Dere Is Rest fo' de Weary Trabbler From: Q (Frank Staplin) 32. Dere Is Rest fo' de Weary Trabbler 1 Dere is rest fo' de weary trabbler Dere is rest fo' de weary trabbler O dere is rest fo' de weary trabbler dere is rest, dere is rest fo' me. 2 Dere is rest when I cross obuh Jordan- Dere is rest fo' me. 3 Dere is rest when de doctor gib me obuh- Dere is rest fo' me. 4 Dere is rest fo' de Hebrew chillum- Dere is rest fo' me. "Note: The subject of each verse (that is the 1st lines given above) is thrice stated followed by the concluding words "There is rest fo' me." |
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02 Jul 10 - 05:36 PM (#2938760) Subject: De Sea Gwine Deliver Up de Dry Bones From: Q (Frank Staplin) 31. De Sea Gwine Deliver Up de Dry Bones 1 De sea gwine deliver up de dry bones O Lord De sea gwine deliver up de dry bones O Lord 2 Is a dreadful morning O Lord Is a dreadful morning O Lord 3 When Gabriel blows his trumpet O Lord When Gabriel blows his trumpet O Lord 4 When de grave gwine deliver up de dry bones O Lord When de grave gwine deliver up de dry bones O Lord. |
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02 Jul 10 - 05:52 PM (#2938772) Subject: Do Don't Touch My Garment From: Q (Frank Staplin) 5. Do Don't Touch My Garment 1 Solo Do don't touch muh garment Chorus Good Lawd good Lawd Solo Do don't touch muh garment Chorus Lawd I'm goin' home. 2 Do don't touch muh slipper shoes Good Lawd good Lawd Do don't touch muh slipper shoes Good Lawd I'm goin' home. 3 Touch me not little Mary Good Lawd good Lawd Touch me not little Mary Good Lawd I'm goin' home. 4 Do don't touch muh starry crown Good Lawd good Lawd Do don't touch muh starry crown Good Lawd I'm goin' home. 5 I have not ascended Good Lawd good Lawd I have not ascended Good Lawd I'm goin' home. 6 To yo' Gawd and muh Gawd Good Lawd good Lawd To yo' Gawd and muh Gawd Good Lawd I'm goin' home. 7 Good Lawd good Lawd Good Lawd good Lawd Good Lawd good Lawd Good Lawd I'm goin' home. 1st and 3rd lines of each verse solo, 2nd and 4th lines chorus. An extended musical score, pp. 68-71, "Do Don't Touch-a My Garment, Good Lord, I'm Gwine Home," is in James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamund Johnson, 1926, "The Second Book of Negro Spirituals." There are a few small differences in notation, but it is very close to the Ballanta score. The Chorus line is "Good Lord, I'm gwine home."
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02 Jul 10 - 08:37 PM (#2938871) Subject: Don't Get Weary From: Q (Frank Staplin) 106. Don't Get Weary 1 Members don't get weary, members don't get weary, members don't get weary, fo' de work's almost done. Chorus- O keep yo' lamp trimmed and a burnin', keep yo' lamp trimmed and a burnin', keep yo' lamp trimmed and a burnin', for de work's almost done. 2ff. Brothers, Sisters, etc. Don't Get weary. Another version, melody somewhat different, in "The Story of the Jubilee Singers," No. 71, "Keep Your Lamps Trimmed." |
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02 Jul 10 - 08:52 PM (#2938880) Subject: Don't Let de Wind Blow Here No More From: Q (Frank Staplin) 45. Don't Let de Wind Blow Here No More 1 Don't let de wind don't let de wind don't let de wind blow here no mo'. O don't let de wind don't let de wind blow here no mo'. 2 When de day of Jedgment come, don't let de wind blow here no mo'. All God's chillun go marchin' home, don't let de wind blow here no mo'. 3 When de sea gib up de dead, don't let de wind blow here no mo'. Want a golden crown put on muh head, don't let de wind blow here no mo'. "Note: The following [melodic] variants are sung in the 3rd strain in verses 2 & 3." [Notations provided]. 2. All God's chillun go marchin' home. 3. Want a golden crown put on muh head. Not reported in other collections. |
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02 Jul 10 - 09:05 PM (#2938888) Subject: Don't Yo' Hab Eberybody fo' Yo' Fr'en' From: Q (Frank Staplin) 87. Don't Yo' Hab Eberybody fo' Yo' Fr'en' Chorus- Don't yo' hab eb'rybody fo' yo' fr'en' Don't yo' hab ebrybody fo' yo' fr'en' Dey will mek yo' fold yo' arms and cry Lawd how long, Don't yo' hab ebrybody fo' yo' fr'en'. 1 I will tell yo' what yo' fr'en' will do- Dey will sit and eat and drink wid yo' But when yo' trubble come- yo' fr'en' begin to run. 2 Meet yo' brudduh in de mornin' Ax him how he do Yo' meet him again in de ebenin' He done tell a lie on yo'. 3 Don't yo forsake yo' mother I tell yo' what yo' mus' do When yo' father forsake yo' Yo' mother will stand by yo'. Not recorded in other collections |
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02 Jul 10 - 09:08 PM (#2938889) Subject: Don't Yo' Hear de Lam's a Cryin' From: Q (Frank Staplin) 30. Don't Yo' Hear de Lam's a Cryin'
Don't yo' hear de lam's a cryin'
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02 Jul 10 - 10:25 PM (#2938929) Subject: Dust an' Ashes From: Q (Frank Staplin) 113. Dusr an' Ashes 1 Dust dust and ashes fly over on my grave, Dust dust and ashes fly over on my grave, Dust dust and ashes fly over on my grave An' de Lord shall bear my spirit home An' de Lord shall bear my spirit home. 2 Dey crucified my Saviour An' nailed him to de cross Dey crucified my Saviour an' nailed him to de cross Dey crucified my Saviour an' nailed him to de cross An' de Lord shall bear my spirit home an' de Lord shall bear my spirit home. Chorus- (sung after 5th and 6th verses) He rose, He rose, He rose, He rose, He rose from de dead, He rose, He rose, He rose, He rose, He rose from the dead, He rose, He rose, He rose, He rose, He rose from de dead an' de Lord shall bear my spirit home an' de Lord shall bear my spirit home. 3 Oh, Joseph begged his body And laid it in de tomb An' de Lord shall bear my spirit home. (repetitions as above) 4 De Angel came from hebben An' roll de stone away An' de Lord shall bear my spirit home. 5 De cold grave could not hold him Nor death's cold iron band An' de Lord shall bear my spirit home. 6 Oh Mary came a-runnin' Her Saviour for to see An' de Lord shall bear my spirit home. 7 De Angel say he is not here He's gone to Galilee An' de Lord shall bear my spirit home. "Note: The 1st verse is sung to a different melody, the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th verses are sung to the same melody. The Chorus is sung after the 5th & 7th verses." Dust an' Ashes was sung at the Hampton Institute, and was added to Religious Folk-Songs of the Negro sometime after Thomas P. Fenner's death. The volume edited by Dett contains an extended score with notes of the version sung formally "at the church service each Easter Sunday at Hampton Institute, under the direction of the editor [R. Nathaniel Dett]." Also sung by the Fisk Jubilee Singers
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03 Jul 10 - 02:11 PM (#2939233) Subject: Eagle's Wings From: Q (Frank Staplin) 43. Eagle's Wings 1 Lawd I wish I had an Eagle's wings Lawd I wish I had an Eagle's wings O Lawd wish I O Lawd wish I O Lawd wish I had an eagle's wings. 2 I would fly all de way to Paradise I would fly all de way to Paradise O lawd, fly all, O Lawd fly all, O Lawd, fly all de way to Paradise. 3 O de t'under is rollin' o'er muh head O de t'under is rollin' o'er muh head O Lawd, de t'under, O Lawd, de t'under, O Lawd, de t'under is rollin' o'er muh head. 4 An' de lightin' is flashin' in muh face, An' de lightin' is flashin' in muh face, O Lawd, de lightin', O Lawd de lightin' O Lawd de lightin' is flashin' in muh face. 5 Dere is no hidin' place fo' sinner to hide, dere is no hidin' place fo' sinner to hide O Lawd, no hidin' place, O Lawd, no hidin' place O Lawd, no hidin' place fo' sinner to hide. 6 O I run to de rocks to hide muh face, O I run to de rocks to hide muh face, O Lawd I run, O Lawd I run, O Lawd I run to de rocks to hide muh face. 7 O I run to de sea an' de sea run dry, O I run to de sea an' de sea run dry, O Lawd run dry, O Lawd run dry, O Lawd, I run to de sea an' de sea run dry. Unique in this form. |
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03 Jul 10 - 02:31 PM (#2939244) Subject: Eb'rybody Wants to Know jis How I Die From: Q (Frank Staplin) 19. Eb'rybody Wants t'Know Jis How I Die 1 Eb'ry body wants t'know jis how I die- how I die jis how I die Eb'rybody wants t'know jis how I die Eb'rybody wants t'know how I die. 2 Jis how yo' lib jis how yo' die- how yo' die jis how yo' die Jis how yo' lib jis how yo' die Eb'rybody wants t'know how I die. 3 I am goin' to read muh testimony on muh bed On muh bed- on muh bed I am goin' to read muh testimony on muh bed- Eb'rybody wants t'know how I die. [4] I am goin' to hab it written in muh forehead, in muh forehead, in muh forehead, I am goin' to hab it written in muh forehead, Eb'rybody wants t'know how I die. Unique to Saint Helena Island. |
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03 Jul 10 - 03:16 PM (#2939257) Subject: Ennyhow Muh Lawd From: Q (Frank Staplin) 70. Ennyhow Muh Lawd Ennyhow, ennyhow, ennyhow muh Lawd At de cross yo' mus' bow I'm goin' to heben, ennyhow. 2 If yo' fadder talk about yo' An' scandalize yo' name At de cross yo' mus' bow I'm goin' to heben, ennyhow. 3 If yo mudder talk about yo' An' scandalize yo' name At de cross yo' mus' bow I'm goin' to heben, ennyhow. 4 If yo' brudder talk about yo' An' scandalize yo' name At de cross yo' mus' bow I'm goin' to heben, ennyhow. 5 If yo' sister talk about yo' An' scandalize yo' name At de cross yo' mus' bow I'm goin' to heben, ennyhow. A variant, Anyhow, was collected on James Island (SC); only recorded from the South Carolina Low-Country. A. T. Smythe et al., The Carolina Low-Country, Section of Spirituals. |
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03 Jul 10 - 05:32 PM (#2939318) Subject: Fix Me Jedus From: Q (Frank Staplin) 100. Fix Me Jedus 1 Fix me Jedus, fix me right, fix me right, fix me right Fix me Jedus, fix me right, fix me so dat I cyan stan'. 2 Dig my grave wid a silber spade, silber spade, silber spade Dig my grave wid a silber spade, fix me so dat I cyan stan'. 3 Let me down wid a golden chain, golden chain, golden chain Let me down wid a golden chain, fix me so dat I cyan stan'. 4 When yo' hear my coffin sound, coffin sound, coffin sound When yo' hear my coffin sound, fix me so dat I cyan stan'. Carl Diton, 1926, collected a variant in South Carolina; Thirty-six South Carolina Spirituals.. |
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03 Jul 10 - 06:05 PM (#2939336) Subject: Give Me Jedus From: Q (Frank Staplin) 96. Give Me Jedus Give me Jedus, give me Jedus You can have all dis world give me Jedus. Fragment. The following spiritual, with different melody, is more complete (source not given). O, when I come to die, O, when I come to die, O, when I come to die, Give me Jesus, give me Jesus, give me Jesus, You may have all this world, give me Jesus. 2 In that mornin' when I rise (3x) Give me Jesus, give me Jesus, give me Jesus, You may have all this world, give me Jesus. 3 Dark midnight was my cry, (3x) Give me Jesus, etc. 4 I heard the mourner say, (3x) Give me Jesus, etc. G. F. Noble, 1911, The Most Popular Plantation Songs, Hinds, Noble & Eldridge. |
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03 Jul 10 - 08:02 PM (#2939387) Subject: Glory, Glory Hallelujah From: Q (Frank Staplin) 66. Glory, Glory Hallelujah 1 Glory Glory Hallelujah When I lay muh burden down Glory Glory Hallelujah When I lay muh burden down. 2 I'm goin' to climb up Jacob's ladder When I lay muh burden down I'm goin' to climb up Jacob's ladder When I lau muh burden down. 3 I wonder what mother's goin' to do dat day When I lay muh burden down All she got to do is watch and pray When I lay muh burden down. 4 I wonder what mother wants to stay here for When I lay muh burden down Dis ole world's no friend to her When I lay muh burden down. Along with the song reported by Odum and Johnson, this seems to be the earliest lyric combining 'Glory, Glory Hallelujah' and 'When I lay my burden down'. Odum and Johnson reported it in 1926 (collected 1924-1925) in Negro Workaday Songs When I Lay My Burden Down Glory, glory, hallelujah, when I lay my burden down, (3x) I gonna be in heaven when I lay my burden down. Glory, glory, hallelujah, I's goin' to my home on high,(3x) I's gonna be in my home in heaven when I lay my burden down. The gospel song, "Since I Laid My Burden Down" was recorded by the Sanctified Singers, Elders, McIntorsh and Edwards in 1928. Also posted in threads 39204 and 126425. |
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03 Jul 10 - 08:15 PM (#2939397) Subject: Good News From: Q (Frank Staplin) 7. Good News Chorus- Good news, good news Angel bring glad tidings down Good news brudduh good news I hear from heben today. 1 Muh brudduh hab a robe and I so glad good news Good news muh brudduh hab a robe and I so glad good news from heben today. 2 O heben so high and I so low Good news! Good news! I wonder in muh soul ef I ebbuh git dere Good news from heben today. "Note: After the 1st verse other verses may be added by using the words mother, sister, father, preacher, deacon instead of the word brudduh." |
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04 Jul 10 - 01:42 PM (#2939656) Subject: Go Round, Go Round From: Q (Frank Staplin) 25. Go Round, Go Round Chorus- Go round, go round, look at de mornin' star Go round, go round, we got a soul to save. 1 Hadn't bin fo' Satan we wouldn't had to pray Now Satan bruk God's holy law and we got a soul to save. 2 When I wuz a layin' at hell's dark door no one to pity po' me Maussuh Jedus he game ridin' by and bought my liberty. Unique to Saint Helena Island. |
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04 Jul 10 - 02:29 PM (#2939692) Subject: Go Tell It on de Mountain From: Q (Frank Staplin) 110. Go Tell It on de Mountain Chorus- Go tell it on de mountain obuh de hils an' eberywhere Go tell it on de mountain dat Jedus Chris' is a-born. 1 When I wuz a seeker, I sought both night an' day I ask' de Lord to help me, An' He show me de way. 2 He choose me for a watchman, And placed me on de wall, An' if I am a christian, I am de least ob all. 3 In de time of David, Some call' Him a King, And if a chil' is true born, Maussuh Jedus will hear him sing. An arranged version is in R. N. Dett, Religious Folk-Songs of the Negro, as sung at Hampton Institute (added after the death of T. P. Fenner by R. N. Dett, App. III). It lacks the verse 3 used on Saint Helena. John Wesley Work (1872-1925) composed and published Go Tell It on the Mountain as a solo piece in 1907 (From online "Hymns and Carols of Christmas" and Hymnuts website) . Perhaps only the two verses and chorus appeared in his sheet music. See thread 3744 for discussions. Work said the hymn was from an old Negro Spiritual, When I Was a Seeker Different verses may have been composed for his Folksongs of the American Negro, 1907 (1st ed. a stapled softcover, hardcover 1915; both rare). See Cyberhymnal.org and the later American Negro Songs and Spirituals, where in a footnote it states that John Work Sr. supplied the shepherds and manger verses "in place of the original ones which could not be found." http://hymnuts.luthersem.edu/hcompany/texts/hymn070.htm John W. Work, edit., 1940, American Negro Songs and Spirituals, a Comprehensive Collection.... |
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04 Jul 10 - 08:02 PM (#2939824) Subject: Handwritin' on de Wall From: Q (Frank Staplin) 28. Handwritin' on de Wall Chorus- Dere's a Hand writin' on de wall Dere's a hand writin' on de wall Oh won't you come and read it see what it say Dere's a hand writin' on de *wall. Leader 1 (see below) The *formata is used for the last time only. The above chorus is repeated an indefinite number of times. The clue for another repetition is given by the leader who sings the following ejaculatory phrases on the second pulse of the last bar. Leader 1. Oh Daniel 2. Who write de letter 3. John write de letter 4. Oh sister 5. Oh brudder (etc., using all the words denoting relationship). Also in Johnson, Book 2. |
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04 Jul 10 - 08:16 PM (#2939834) Subject: Heben Goin' to Be Muh Home From: Q (Frank Staplin) 68. Heben Goin' to Be Muh Home 1 I am trampin', I am trampin', Heben goin' to be muh home I am trampin', I am trampin', Heben goin' to be muh home. Solo 'Tain't but one thing grieve muh mind Chorus Heben goin' to be muh home Solo De Christian goin' to Heben left de sinner behind Chorus Heben goin' to be muh home. 2 'Tain't but one thing I desire Heben goin' to be muh home I wants to go to heben in a chariot ob fire Heben goin' to be muh home. 3 'Tain't but one thing I desire Heben goin' to be muh home I want to sing in de heavenly choir Heben goin' to be muh home. Not listed in other collections.
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04 Jul 10 - 08:46 PM (#2939849) Subject: Heben Is a Beautiful Place From: Q (Frank Staplin) 15. Heben Is a Beautiful Place 1 Heben is a beautiful place I believe- believe Heben is a beautiful place I believe- believe Heben is a beautiful place I believe- believe Heben is a beautiful place I believe.- 2 Ain't no liars obuh dere I believe- believe Ain't no liars obuh dere I believe believe Ain't no liars obuh dere I believe believe Heben is a beautiful place I believe. 3 Ain't no gamblers obuh dere I believe- believe Ain't no gamblers obuh dere I believe believe Ain't no gamblers obuh dere I believe believe Heben is a beautiful place I believe. 4 Ain't no sickness obuh dere I believe- believe Ain't no sickness obuh dere I believe believe Ain't no sickness obuh dere I believe believe Heben is a beautiful place I believe. 5 All good people obuh dere I believe- believe All good people obuh dere I believe believe All good people obuh dere I believe believe Heben is a beautiful place I believe. 6 No back sliders obuh dere I believe- believe No bach sliders obuh dere I believe believe No back sliders obuh dere I believe believe Heben is a beautiful place I believe. 7 No back biters obuh dere I believe- believe No back biters obuh dere I believe believe No back biters obuh dere I believe believe Heben is a beautiful place I believe. "All these verses are harmonised as the first Verse." Heaven Is a Beautiful Place I Know is a variant found in Kentucky. Mary Allen Grissom, 1930, The Negro Sings a New Heaven, Univ. North Carolina; Dover reprint. |
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04 Jul 10 - 09:04 PM (#2939855) Subject: Hold Out From: Q (Frank Staplin) 80. Hold Out Oh yo' religion nebbuh mek yo' shame Oh yo' religion nebbuh mek yo' shame Oh yo' religion nebbuh mek yo' shame Hold out. 2 Oh I'm gwine down to Jerdan hold out Oh I'm gwine down to Jerdan hold out Oh I'm gwine down to Jerdan hold out Hold out. 3 Oh if dat is yo' aim hold out, etc. Hold out. 4 I t'ink muh mother say hold out, etc. Hold out. "Note: This spiritual ends with a repetition of the first Verse." Variant(?) of Hold Out to the End, in Allen, Slave Songs..., but no similar verses. |
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04 Jul 10 - 09:19 PM (#2939859) Subject: Holy, Holy, Yo' Promise to Answer Prayer From: Q (Frank Staplin) 12. Holy, Holy, Yo' Promise to Answer Prayer 1 Holy, holy yo' promise to answer prayer Holy, holy yo' promise to answer prayer (in de mornin') Holy, holy yo' promise to answer prayer in de mornin' when de Lawd cry Holy- 2 John, John dis is a barren lan' John, John dis is a barren lan' John, John dis is a barren lan' In de mornin' when de Lawd cry Holy. 3 John, John dis is a needy time, etc. 4 John, John git up off yo' knees, etc. 5 Who lock, who lock de lion's jaw. "Note: The 1st line of each verse is repeated twice and the verse ends with the words "In de morning when de Lord cry Holy." Variant in Carl Diton, 1928, Thirty-six South Carolina Spirituals .... |
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04 Jul 10 - 09:48 PM (#2939866) Subject: How Can I Pray From: Q (Frank Staplin) 16. How Can I Pray How can I pray- how can I pray how can I pray how can I pray when my heart is burdened down. **Leader Oh how can I pray Chorus 1 How can I pray How can I pray (tutti) How can I pray How can I pray when my heart is burdened down. 2 Oh Debble's in de way Debble's in de way Debble's in de way Debble's in de way when muh heart is burdened down. 3 Pray all night sometime Pray all night sometime Pray all night sometime Pray all night sometime When muh heart is burdened down. 4 King Jedus is my Fr'en' Jedus is my Fr'en' Jedus is my Fr'en' Jedus is my Fr'en' When muh heart is burdened down. ("The word 'King' in this verse is sung on the fourth beat of the previous bar.)" ** "Here the Leader starts with a counter melody sometimes to the words of the 1st verse and sometimes to the words of the second verse. All succeeding verses are sung in this way." "This song contains two extra verses sung before the 1st verse above according to the book of words handed to me by Mr. James P. King, Superintendent of Industries." 1 Crown me O Lawd Crown me O Lawd Crown me O Lawd Crown me O Lawd When muh heart is burdened down. 2 Down on muh knees Down on muh knees Down on muh knees Down on muh knees When muh heart is burdened down. Not found in other collections. |
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04 Jul 10 - 10:38 PM (#2939876) Subject: How Long de Train Bin Gone From: Q (Frank Staplin) 9. How Long de Train Bin Gone 1 How long de train bin gone How long de train bin gone How long de train bin gone O yes Lawd. 2 Train bin gone a long time Train bin gone a long time Train bin gone a long time O yes Lawd. 3 Wave down de Gospel train Wave down de Gospel train Wave down de Gospel train O yes Lawd. 4 Hand me mah walkin' cane Hand me mah walkin' cane Hand me mah walkin' cane O yes Lawd. 5 Better git yo' ticket sign Better git yo' ticket sign Better git yo' ticket sign O yes Lawd. 6 Yo' better fall in line You better fall in line You better fall in line O yes Lawd. Also variant in Clarence Cameron White, 1927, Forty Negro Spirituals ...., Theodore Presser, Philadelphia. |
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05 Jul 10 - 01:56 PM (#2940199) Subject: How Yo' Do Believer How Yo' Do Today From: Q (Frank Staplin) 90. How yo' Do Believer How Yo' Do Today 1 How yo' do believer how yo' do today T'ank Gawd I git obuh Jerdan. (Both lines repeated) 2 How yo' do mourners how yo' do today T'ank Gawd I git obuh Jerdan. 3 How yo' do sinners how yo' do today T'ank Gawd I git obuh Jerdan. 4 Go your way and sin no more T'ank Gawd I git obuh Jerdan. Sung to same tune as When I Git in Heben in Muh Elbow Chair. Both posted also in thread 116541. Cleveland Index lists both as unique to Saint Helena but "How you do" variants in other collections. |
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05 Jul 10 - 02:21 PM (#2940215) Subject: I Ain't Gwine Grief muh Lawd No Mo' From: Q (Frank Staplin) 77. I Ain't Gwine Grief Muh Lawd No Mo' Chorus- I ain't gwine grief muh Lawd no mo' fo' de Bible tell me so. I ain't gwine grief muh Lawd no mo'- 1 De tallest tree in Paradise de Christians call it de tree ob life I ain't gwine grief muh Lawd no mo' fo' de Bible tell me so. 2 O Paul and Silas bound in jail De one did sing while de odduh pray'd. Chorus 3 I wants to go to heben and I wants to go right I wants to go to heben all dressed in white. Chorus 4 O look up yonder what I see Bright angels coming after me. Chorus 5 Ef you git dere befo' I do Look out fo' me I'm coming too. Chorus 6 O my name done written, done written down fine O my name done written, in David's line. Chorus Variant also in Carl Diton, 1928, Thirty-six South Carolina Spirituals ...., G. Schirmer. It lacks verses 1, 3 and 6. Collected at Frogmore Island, 1913. |
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05 Jul 10 - 03:15 PM (#2940243) Subject: I Am Bound fo' de Promised lan' From: Q (Frank Staplin) 40. I Am Bound fo' de Promised Lan' 1 I am boun' fo' de promised lan' I am boun' fo' de promised lan' O won't yo' rise an' go wid me I am boun' fo' de promised lan'. 2 When I git to hebben I'll set an' tell I am boun' fo' de promised lan' Just how I shun de gates ob hell I am boun' fo' de promised lan'. 3 O Christians, Christians be engaged I am boun' fo' de promised lan' Old Satan's in an awful rage I am boun' fo' de promised lan'. Unique to Saint Helena Island. |
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05 Jul 10 - 05:27 PM (#2940295) Subject: I Am Goin' obuh Dere From: Q (Frank Staplin) 67. I Am Goin' obuh Dere 1 I am goin' obuh dere In muh father's house I am goin' obuh dere- In muh father's house I am goin' obuh dere in muh father's house dere is joy, joy, joy. 2 Ain't no liars obuh dere In muh father's house etc. Dere is joy, joy, joy. Other verses may be sung using the words gamblers, sickness, mourning, etc. Variants are widespread. In My Father's House, from Texas; Carl Sandburg, The American Songbag. Heaven Is a Beautiful Place, from Kentucky; M. A. Grissom, The Negro Sings a New Heaven. |
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05 Jul 10 - 05:37 PM (#2940302) Subject: I Am Huntin' fo' a City From: Q (Frank Staplin) 58. I Am Huntin fo' a City 1 I am huntin' fo' a city fo' to stay a while I am huntin' fo' a city to stay a while I am huntin' fo' a city to stay a while True believer has a home at last. 2 Oh run dear young converts go and tell muh Lawd etc. True believer has a home at last. 3 Oh run my lovin' sister go and tell muh Lawd etc. True believer has a home at last. The words mother, brother, father, etc. may be used in other verses. Variant in Allen, Slave Songs of the United States. |
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05 Jul 10 - 05:46 PM (#2940309) Subject: I Am Not Afraid to Die From: Q (Frank Staplin) 83. I Am Not Afraid to Die 1 I am not afraid to die- I am not afraid to die- I am not- I am not afraid to die. 2 Jedus rides de milk white horse Jedus rides de milk white horse. 3 Satan rides de iron gray Satan rides de iron gray. 4 I am bound for de promised land I am bound for de promised land. "The spiritual ends with a repetition of the first verse." Unique to Saint Helena Island according to the Cleveland Index, but verses two, etc., are common to other spirituals. |
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05 Jul 10 - 06:03 PM (#2940317) Subject: I Do Know Gawd Don't Lie From: Q (Frank Staplin) 88. I Do Know Gawd Don't Lie Chorus- I do know Gawd don't lie I do know Gawd don't lie I do know Gawd don't lie De heben pass away. 1 Jis want tell what a liar will do He always come wid somet'ing new Steal yo' hawss wid false pretense And claim dat he is yo' bosom fr'en'. 2 Ebery day when yo' look out Yo' will see dat liar comin' to yo' house Den dat liar will hab his way And tek a seat and stay all day Jis about time you goin' change yo' mine Tell yo' a leetle truth and make it shine. These last two lines ate sung to repetition of the 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th measures above. 3 Jis about time he get his business fix He'll sweeten dat lie wid a leetle trick If you aunt Julia don't tell aunt Jane Do fo' Gawd's sake don't you call my name. 4 Jis about time for liar to leave He'll cause yo' heart and mine to grieve But he'll strictly tell you befo' he go Ef he ax yo' do yo' tell him I tell yo' so. Unique to Saint Helena Island. |
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05 Jul 10 - 07:49 PM (#2940376) Subject: I Got a Letter dis Mornin' From: Q (Frank Staplin) 26. I Got a Letter dis Mornin' I got a letter dis mornin' Aye Lawd I got a letter dis mornin' Aye Lawd. Fragment with tune.
May be variant of: |
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05 Jul 10 - 08:11 PM (#2940389) Subject: I Got a Mother in de Bright Shinin' World From: Q (Frank Staplin) 92. I Got a Mother in de Bright Shinin' World 1 I got a mother in de bright shinin' world I got a mother in de bright shinin' world Dear mother I hope to meet yo' obuh dere in de bright shinin' world. Chorus- In de bright shinin' world, In de bright shinin' world, I hope to meet yo' obuh dere in de bright shinin' world. 2 I got a Father in de bright shinin' world (2x) Dear Father I hope to meet yo' obuh dere In de bright shinin' world. Sister, Brother, Deacon, Pastor, etc. 3 Jedus call me in de bright shinin' world Jedus call me in de bright shinin' world I hope to meet Him obuh dere In de bright shinin' world. |
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05 Jul 10 - 08:24 PM (#2940399) Subject: I Hab a Leader obuh Dere From: Q (Frank Staplin) 22. I Hab a Leader obuh Dere 1 I hab a leader obuh dere I hab a leader obuh dere I hab a leader obuh dere In de Kingdom of my Lawd Trumpet of Gawd goin' to sound, Remember if yo' die in Christ yo' goin' to shine In de Resurrection mornin' yo' got to shine. 2 Play on yo' harp little David Play on yo' harp little David Play on yo' harp little David In de Kingdom etc. 3 I hab a Saviour obuh dere I hab a Saviour obuh dere I hab a Saviour obuh dere In de Kingdom etc. 4 I'm goin' obuh dere I'm goin' obuh dere I'm goin' obuh dere In de Kingdom etc. Not reported in other collections. |
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05 Jul 10 - 08:38 PM (#2940405) Subject: I Lub Muh Blessed Saviour From: Q (Frank Staplin) 94. I Lub Muh Blessed Saviour 1 I lub muh blessed Saviour and sorry when He died It hurt me to muh blessed heart to see Him crucified. Chorus- He cried how long. He cried how long. He cried how long. Fo' muh Lawd told me so. 2 When Jedus was hangin' on de cross An' de Jews wuz standin' round One picked up de sword and plunged it in his side And de blood came tricklin' down. 3 Den de [one?] said it wasn't no sun And one said it wasn't no moon And one said it wasn't no stain And de whole world was silent. 4 Silent, silent, silent Fo' de space of a hour and half Gawd called all de welcome soldiers To take home de welcome Souls. 5 Then Joseph begged for His body And de body was given to him He wrapped it up in a linen cloth And buried Him in de ground. Not recorded in other collections. |
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05 Jul 10 - 08:49 PM (#2940414) Subject: I'm a Runnin' fo' Muh Life From: Q (Frank Staplin) 24. I'm a Runnin' fo' Muh Life 1 I'm a runnin' fo' muh life I'm a runnin' fo' muh life I', a runnin' fo' muh life I'm a runnin' fo' muh life Chorus- Ef ennybody ax yo' what's de matter wid me Jis tell him I say- I'm a runnin' fo' muh life. 2 I'm a mo'nin' fo' muh life 3 I'm a prayin' fo' muh life. The 1st line of each verse is sung four times and followed by the Chorus. Lines may be interspersed with repetition by chorus. Not reported in other collections. |
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05 Jul 10 - 09:07 PM (#2940421) Subject: I'm a Trabblin' to de Land From: Q (Frank Staplin) 76. I'm a Trabblin' to de Land 1 I'm a trabblin' to de land I'm a trabblin' to de land I'm a trabblin' to de land Where I'm bound, where I'm bound. I'm a trabblin' to de land I'm a trabblin' to de land I'm a trabblin' to de land where I'm bound. 2 Dere's no sickness in de land .... where I'm bound. 3 Dere's no liars in de land .... where I'm bound. 4 Milk and honey's in de land .... where I'm bound. 5 I've a sister in de land.... where I'm bound. 6 I've a mother in de land.... where I'm bound. 7 I've a father in de land .... where I'm bound. 8 I've a Saviour in de land.... where I'm bound. Not reported in other collections. |
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05 Jul 10 - 09:23 PM (#2940428) Subject: I'm Goin' Down to de Ribbuh ob Jerdan From: Q (Frank Staplin) 99. I'm Goin' Down to de Ribbuh ob Jerdan Solo O yes. 1 I.m goin' down to de ribbuh of Jerdan, O yes I'm goin' down to de ribbuh of Jerdan some o' dese days, halleuia! I'm goin' down to de ribbuh of Jerdan, O yes I'm goin' down to de ribbuh of Jerdan some o' dese days. 2 I'm goin' to set at de welcome table, O yes I'm goin' to set at de welcome table some o' dese days, halleuia! I'm goin' to set at de welcome table, O yes I'm goin' to set at de welcome table some o' dese days. 3 I'm goin' to feast off milk and honey, O yes I'm goin' to feast off milk and honey some o' dese days, halleuia! I'm goin' to feast off milk and honey, O yes I'm goin' to feast off milk and honey some o' dese days. 4 I'm goin' to march wid de tallest angel, o yes I'm goin' to march wid de tallest angel some o' dese days, halleuia! I'm goin' to march wid de tallest angel, O yes I'm goin' to march wid de tallest angel, some o' dese days. Not recorded in other collections. |
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05 Jul 10 - 09:41 PM (#2940433) Subject: I'm Goin' to See Muh Lovin' Father When I Git Home From: Q (Frank Staplin) 13. I'm Goin' to See Muh Lovin' Father When I Git Home 1 I'm goin' to see muh lovin' father when I git home I'm goin' to see muh lovin' father when I git home I'm goin' to see muh lovin' father, see muh lovin' father, see muh lovin' father when I git home. 2 I'm goin' to tell him 'bout muh trubble when I git home I'm goin' to tell him 'bout muh trubble when I git home I'm goin' to tell him 'bout muh trubble, tell him 'bout muh trubble, tell him 'bout muh trubble when I git home. "Other verses may be had by using the words mother, sister, brother, teacher, etc., in place of the word "father" in verse 1 and by using the correct pronoun in verse 2." "Two more verses are sung after the relationships have been exhausted." No more rain to wet me when I git home No more rain to wet me when I git home No more rain to wet me, rain to wet me, rain to wet me when I git home. Last verse God heben- God heben- God heben- when I git home. Not reported in other collections. |
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06 Jul 10 - 09:02 PM (#2940971) Subject: I'm Goin' to Wait till de Holy Ghost Come From: Q (Frank Staplin) 65. I'm Goin' to Wait till de Holy Ghost Come 1 I'm goin' to wait (I'm goin' to wait) I'm goin' to wait (I'm goin' to wait) I'm goin' to wait till de Holy Ghost come I'm goin' to wait (I'm goin' to wait) I'm goin' to wait (I'm goin' to wait) I'm goin' to wait till de Holy Ghost come I'm goin' to wait (I'm goin' to wait) I'm goin' to wait (I'm goin' to wait) I'm goin' to wait till de Holy Ghost come. O muh Lawd, O muh Lawd hab mercy now. 2 I'm goin' to sing till de Holy Ghost come O muh Lawd, hab mercy now. 3 I'm goin' to watch till de Holy Ghost come O muh Lawd, hab mercy now. 4 I'm goin' to pray till de Holy Ghost come O muh Lawd, hab mercy now. Verses 2-4 sung as verse 1. Not reported in other collections. |
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06 Jul 10 - 09:18 PM (#2940976) Subject: I Wants to Climb Up Jacob's Ladder From: Q (Frank Staplin) 74. I Wants to Climb Up Jacob's Ladder 1 I wants to climb up Jacob's Ladder up Jacob's ladder, up Jacob's ladder I wants to climp up Jacob's ladder but I cyan' until I mek muh peace wid de Lawd I will praise ye de Lawd I will praise Him till I die I will praise Him till I die In de new Jerusalem. 2 I wants to pray like Paul and Silas But I cyan' until I mek muh peace wid de Lawd I will praise ye de Lawd I will praise Him till I die In de new Jerusalem I will praise Him till I die. [reversed?] 3 I wants to sing in heben wid de angels etc. 4 I wants to climb up higher and higher etc. |
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07 Jul 10 - 08:54 PM (#2941499) Subject: I Want to Die Easy when I Die From: Q (Frank Staplin) 17. I Want to Die Easy When I Die I want to die easy when I die (when I die) I want to die easy when I die (when I die) I want to die easy when I die Shout salvation as I fly I want to die easy when I die (when I die). I want to see muh mother when I die I want to see muh mother when I die I want to see muh mother when I die Shout salvation as I fly I want to see muh mother when I die. "Other verses may be had by using the words father, brother, sister, deacon, pastor." The song concludes with the following verses. I want to see muh Jedus when I die (repeated as in verse 2) Shout salvation as I fly I want to see muh Jedus when I die I want to go to heben when I die (repeated as in verse 2) Shout salvation as I fly I want to go to heben when I die. "Note 1. The rhythmic alterations required by verse 2 and succeeding verses are attended by a slight change in the melody as follows:" [Examples given- I want to see my mother etc.] "Note 2. The words "when I die" are repeated as shown above by other voices against the sustained tonic and dominant." Also in Johnson, Second Book of Negro Spirituals |
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07 Jul 10 - 09:19 PM (#2941518) Subject: RE: St. Helena Island Spirituals Permathread From: Janie Thanks, Q. And thank you Richie, Greg and Q for the education contained in your comments. |
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07 Jul 10 - 09:32 PM (#2941524) Subject: Jedus Blood Done Mek Me Whole From: Q (Frank Staplin) 95. Jedus Blood Done Mek Me Whole 1 Jedus blood done mek me whole Jedus blood done mek me whole Since I touched the hem of his garment Jedus blood done mek me whole. 2 I don't feel like I used to feel I don't feel like I used to feel Since I touched the hem of his garment I don't feel like I used to feel. 3 I don't mourn like I used to mourn, etc. 4 I don't walk like I used to walk, etc. 5 I don't talk like I used to talk, etc. 6 I don't sing like I used to sing, etc. Not recorded in other collections. |
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07 Jul 10 - 10:04 PM (#2941531) Subject: Jedus Done Just What He Said From: Q (Frank Staplin) 23. Jedus Done Just What He Said 1 Jedus done just what He said. Yes he did, Oh yes He did. Healed de sick- and he raised de dead. Yes he did, Oh yes he did. 2 Up on de mountain my Lawd spoke Yes he did, Oh yes he did Out of His mout' came fire and smoke Yes he did, Oh yes he did. 3 John de Baptist he declared Yes he did, Oh yes he did Ain't but de righteous shall git dere Yes he did, Oh yes he did. 4 I remember de hour, I remember well Yes he did, Oh yes He did When Jedus washed muh sins away. Yes he did, Oh yes he did. Chorus- You can tell de world about dat you can tell de nation about dat Tell dem dat muh Lawd has come Tell dem what de comforter has done Dat he brought joy- joy- to muh soul. Several variants in different collections. one from the Bahamas (below). Jesus Heal' de Sick Jesus heal' de sick, give sight to de blin', An' 'e made de cripple to walk an' talk, 'E roll de stone from over de grave An' 'e gave them commisshun to fly, How low! An' 'e gave them commisshun to fly, Brothe' Lassras, An' 'e gave them commisshun to fly, Simon Peter, An' 'e gave them commisshun to fly, An' 'e gave them commisshun to fly! "Words and melody (arrangement by H. T. Burleigh) from Bahama Songs and Stories, Charles L. Edwards, Ph. D., published for the American Folk-Lore Society by Houghton, Mifflin & Co.; reprinted by permission in H. E. Krehbiel, 1913, Afro-American Folk-Songs. |
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07 Jul 10 - 10:13 PM (#2941537) Subject: John Saw de Number No Man Could Number From: Q (Frank Staplin) 55. John Saw de Number No Man Could Number 1 John saw de number dat no man could number John saw de number dat no man could number John saw de number dat no man can number comin' up, comin' up on high. 2 John saw de hundred and forty-four thousand, etc. Comin' up on high. 3 Tell John not to call de roll till I git dere Sinner man you better believe. Widespread. |
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07 Jul 10 - 10:32 PM (#2941543) Subject: King Jedus Is Muh Only Fr'en' From: Q (Frank Staplin) 4. King Jedus Is Muh Only Fr'en' Chorus- King Jedus King Jedus is muh only fr'en'- King Jedus King Jedus is muh only fr'en' King Jedus King Jedus is muh only fr'en' King Jedus is muh only fr'en'.- 1 When de doctuh de doctuh he done gie me obuh de doctuh de doctuh he done gie me obuh When de doctuh de doctuh he done gie me obuh King Jedus is muh only fr'en'. 2 When de preacher de preacher he done gie me obuh de preacher de preacher he done gie me obuh When de preacher de preacher he done gie me obuh King Jedus is muh only fr'en'. 3 When muh house muh house become a public hall muh house muh house become a public hall When muh house muh house become a public hall King Jedus is muh only fr'en'. 4 When muh face muh face become a lookin' glass muh face muh face become a lookin' glass When muh face muh face become a lookin' glass King Jedus is muh only fr'en'. "Note: The melody of this song when sung by a large body of voices is performed thus as if by two choruses." [Tune is given for 1st and 2nd choirs] This arrangement is also observed in all the verses. Not reported in other collections. |
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08 Jul 10 - 12:45 PM (#2941846) Subject: Let Us Break Bread Togeder on Our Knees From: Q (Frank Staplin) 81. Let Us Break Bread Togeder on Our Knees 1 Let us break bread togeder on our knees Let us break bread togeder on our knees When I fall on muh knees wid muh face to de risin' sun Oh Lawd hab mercy on me. 2 Let us drink wine togeder on our knees [2x] When I fall on muh knees wid muh face to de risin' sun Oh Lawd hab mercy on me. 3 Let us praise Gawd togeder on our knees [2x] When I fall etc. 4 Oh Lawd hab mercy on me, etc. A few variants. See Johnson and Johnson, The Second Book of Negro Spirituals, When I Fall on My Knees. |
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08 Jul 10 - 04:05 PM (#2941957) Subject: Look-a How They Done Muh Lawd From: Q (Frank Staplin) 69. Look-a How They Done Muh Lawd 1 Look-a how they done muh Lawd Look-a how they done muh Lawd Look-a how they done muh Lawd done muh Lawd done muh Lawd done muh Lawd done muh Lawd done muh Lawd. 2 Never spoke a mumblin' word Mumblin' word. 3 Carried him to Pilate's hall Pilate's hall 4 Saw him when he rise and fall Rise and fall 5 Licked him with violence Violence 6 Carry him to Calvary Calvary 7 Nailed him to de tree To de tree 8 He wo' a thorny crown T'orny crown 9 De blood come a stricklin' down 10 He cried Eli eli Cried eli 11 He bowed his head and die Head and die 12 He went right down in hell Down in hell 13 He said "Peter I got de Keys" Got de Keys 14 "Of death hell and de grave Hell and grave 15 Grave where yo' victory Victory 16 Thomas say I wouldn't believe Wouldn't believe 17 He sais "Thomas see my han' See my han' 18 Angel cried "Amen" Cried Amen Also Johnson and Johnson, Second Book of Negro Spirituals, Look-a How They Done My Lord and McIlhenny, Befo' de War Spirituals, Cruel Jews. Variant He Never Said a Mumblin' Word in Fisher, Grey, Johnson and Johnson. |
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08 Jul 10 - 04:16 PM (#2941971) Subject: Look What a Wonder Jedus Done From: Q (Frank Staplin) 84. Look What a Wonder Jedus Done 1 Look what a wonder Jedus done, sinner believe Look what a wonder Jedus done, sinner believe Look what a wonder Jedus done, sinner believe King Jedus had died for me. 2 King Jedus mek de cripple walk Sinner believe King Jedus had died fo' me. 3 King Jedus gave de blind de sight Sinner believe King Jedus had died fo' me. 4 King Jedus mek de dumb man speak Sinner believe King Jedus had died fo' me. 5 Look what a wonder Jedus done Sinner believe King Jedus had died fo' me. Not recorded in other collections. |
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08 Jul 10 - 04:30 PM (#2941979) Subject: Mary Had a Baby, Aye Lawd From: Q (Frank Staplin) 46. Mary Had a Baby, Aye Lawd 1 Solo Mary had a baby Aye Lawd *(She) Mary had a baby Aye muh Lawd Mary Had a Baby Aye Lawd de people keep a comin' and de train done gone. 2 What did she name him, Aye Lawd. 3 She name him King Jedus, Aye Lawd. 4 She name him Mighty Counseller, Aye Lawd. "(Other names may be use in succeeding verses sig. "Prince of Peace" "Mighty God" "Everlasting Father") 5 Where was he born, Aye Lawd. 6 Born in a manger, Aye Lawd. 7 Born in a stable, Aye Lawd. *This note is sung to the word "she" in verses 3 & 4 etc. "Note: The first line is the subject of the verse. This is thrice stated followed by "de people keep a comin' etc." Variants in several collections. |
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08 Jul 10 - 08:54 PM (#2942102) Subject: Mary Had a Baby (No. 2) From: Q (Frank Staplin) 47. Mary Had a Baby (No. 2) *(She) 1 Mary had a baby- muh Lawd Mary had a baby- muh Lawd Mary had a baby, Mary had a baby, Mary had a baby muh Lawd. 2 What did she name him, muh Lawd. 3 She name him King Jedus, muh Lawd. (Other names may be used sig. "Mighty Counsellor," "Prince of Peace," "Mighty God," "Everlasting Father," etc.) 4 Where was he born, muh Lawd. 5 Born in a manger, muh Lawd. 6 Born in a stable, muh Lawd. * This note is sung to the word "she" in verse 3 and verses constructed after that verse. "Note: The first line of each verse is repeated several times and sung to all the strains of the melody." |
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08 Jul 10 - 09:04 PM (#2942108) Subject: Mary Had a Baby (No. 3) From: Q (Frank Staplin) 48. Mary Had a Baby (No. 3) *(she) 1 Down in a valley sing hallelu Down in a valley sing hallelu Down in a valley sing hallelu Down in de valley sing hallelu. 2 Mary had a baby sing hallelu. 3 What did she name him, sing hallelu. 4 She name him King Jedus, sing hallelu. (Other names may be used sig. "Mighty Counsellor," "Prince of Peace," "Mighty God," Everlasting Father," etc.) 5 Where was he born, sing hallelu. 6 Born in a manger, sing hallelu. 7 Born in a stable, sing hallelu. * This note is sung to the word "she' in verse 4 and verses constructed after that verse. "Note: The first line of each verse is repeated several times and sung to all the different strains of the melody." |
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08 Jul 10 - 09:11 PM (#2942111) Subject: Mary Had de Leetle Baby From: Q (Frank Staplin) 3. Mary Had de Leetle Baby Mary had de leetle baby Born in Bethlehem Eb'ry time de baby cry she rock in a weary lan' Ain't dat a rockin' all night ain't dat a rockin' all night ain't dat a rockin' all night all night long. Several variants in collections. |
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08 Jul 10 - 09:26 PM (#2942114) Subject: Moses Smote de Water From: Q (Frank Staplin) 104. Moses Smote de Water 1 Moses smote de water and de chillun all crossed obuh O Moses smote de water and de sea gie way. Chorus- O chillun ain't yo' glad you in de holy army O chillun ain't yo' glad and de sea gie way. 2 Aaron crossed de ocean and de chillun all crossed obuh O Aaron crossed de ocean and de sea gie way. 3 Mary crossed de ocean and de chillun all crossed obuh O Mary crossed de ocean and de sea gie way. Sung by the Fisk Jubilee Singers; lyrics and reference in thread 129068. When Moses Smote de Water |
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08 Jul 10 - 09:32 PM (#2942119) Subject: My Head Wet wid de Mid Night Dew From: Q (Frank Staplin) 61. My Head Wet wid de Mid Night Dew My head wet wid de mid night dew my head wet wid de mid night dew. Fragment? Not recorded in other collections. "for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night." Song of Solomon 5:2 |
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09 Jul 10 - 05:21 PM (#2942601) Subject: My Time Is Come From: Q (Frank Staplin) 72. My Time Is Come Chorus- My time is come, O my time is come My time is come, I'm bound to pay the debt I owe. 1 Judus was settin' at the last Passover John he rested upon his shoulder He spoke one word and it seemed to blight He said one of you will betray me tonight. Mark cried out Lawd is it I, Luke cried out Lawd is it I Judus said look and see, he dat sup in de dish wid me. 2 De cruel Jews dey took muh Lawd They bound him with a purple cord They led Him up to Pilate's Hall De council met abd the roll was called. 3 Pilate's wife she had a dream De innocent lam' I nebbuh seen Bring me water to wash muh han' I will not be guilty of de innocent lam'. Not recorded in other collections. |
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10 Jul 10 - 06:06 PM (#2943170) Subject: Nobody Knows de Trouble I've Seen From: Q (Frank Staplin) 109. Nobody Knows de Trouble I've Seen (Lyrics below from Slave Songs of the U.S., and Religious Folk-songs Of the Negro; Saint Helena verses follow. Oh nobody knows de trouble I've seen Nobody knows but Jesus Nobody knows the trouble I've seen Glory Hallelujah. Sometimes I'm up sometimes I'm down Oh Yes Lord Sometimes I'm almost to de ground Oh yes Lord. Although you see me goin' long so Oh yes Lord I have my trials here below Oh yes Lord. 2 One day when I was walking along, Oh yes Lord De element opened an' de Lord came down, Oh yes Lord I never shall forget that day, Oh yes Lord When Jesus washed my sins away, Oh yes Lord. Words as sung on Saint Helena Island: 1 Nobody knows de trubble I feel Nobody knows but Jedus Nobody knows de trubble I feel Glory in-a muh soul (or Glory Hallelujah) 2 Sometimes I'm up, sometimes I'm down Glory in-a muh soul Sometimes I'm almost to de ground Glory in-a muh soul. 3 One mornin' I wuz walkin' along Glory in-a muh soul I heard a noise, I saw no one Glory in-a muh soul. 4 One day as I wuz walkin' round Glory in-a muh soul I saw some grapes wuz hangin' down Glory in-a muh soul, 5 I picked some fruit an' sucked de juice Glory in-a muh soul De juice wuz sweet as honey in de comb Glory in-a muh soul. 6 Satan he whisper in ma ear Glory in-a muh soul Said he done bruk muh Kingdom down Glory in-a muh soul. 7 By de grace ob God I rise again Glory in-a muh soul By de grace ob God I rise again Glory in-a muh soul. |
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10 Jul 10 - 06:19 PM (#2943177) Subject: No Mo' My Dear Brudder From: Q (Frank Staplin) 49. No Mo' My Dear Brudder 1 Solo No' mo' muh dear brudduh Chorus No mo' muh Lawd I will nebbuh turn back no mo'. 2 No mo' muh lovin' mother No mo' muh Lawd I will nebbuh turn back no mo'. 3 No mo' when I cross old Jerdan, etc. 4 No' mo' rain goin' to wet me, etc. 5 No mo' sun goin' to burn me, etc. "Note: The words father, sister, preacher etc., may be used in other verses after verse 2." |
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10 Jul 10 - 09:14 PM (#2943240) Subject: Oh Let Me Shine, Shine like de Mornin' Star From: Q (Frank Staplin) 27. Oh Let Me Shine, Shine like de Mornin' Star Solo 1 Oh let me shine Chorus Oh let me shine Solo Oh ley me shine Chorus Shine like de mornin' star. 2 Solo Shine like Peter, let me shine Chorus Oh let me shine Solo Shine like Peter let me shine Chorus Shine like de mornin' star. 3 Shine like Moses, let me shine, Oh let me shine Shine like Moses, let me shine, Shine like de mornin' star. 4 Solo Ef yo' cyan' shine Chorus Oh let me shine Solo Oh let me shine Chorus Shine like de mornin' star. 5 Move out de way and let me shine, Oh let me shine Move out de way and let me shine, Shine like de mornin' star. "Note: After the 1st verse the leader instead of singing the melody as given alone sings the following variants of the 1st & 3rd bars." Solo 2 & 3 Shine like Peter let me shine Shine like Moses let me shine Chorus Oh let me shine Shine like Peter let me shine {Shine like de mornin' star Shine like Moses let me shine {Shine like de mornin' star. 4 Ef yo' cyan' shine Oh let me shine 5 Move out de way and let me shine, etc. "Mr. Brown the leader of the Saint Helena quartet gives also the following variant. Music repeated from 3rd bar- Shine like Peter and let me shine etc. " Moses " " etc. Ef you cyan' shine Oh let me shine etc. Move out de way and let me shine etc. Not recorded in other collections. |
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10 Jul 10 - 09:31 PM (#2943246) Subject: Oh Nebbuh Me One From: Q (Frank Staplin) 51. Oh Nebbuh Me One 1 When muh mother done gone When muh mother done gone When muh mother done gone- Aye Lawd- Aye Lawd- Oh nebbuh me one- Oh Lawd- Oh lawd. Chorus- Oh nebbuh me one- Oh nebbuh me one 2 Muh sister done gone, Aye Lawd. 3 Muh brudder done gone, Aye Lawd. (Other verses may be constructed with the words Father, Pastor, Deacon. 4 When de world done buked me, Aye Lawd. 5 When I am t'rown wid crosses, Aye Lawd. 6 When dey leabe me here to trubble, Aye Lawd. Not recorded in other collections. |
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10 Jul 10 - 09:42 PM (#2943248) Subject: Oh Sister Git Yo' Ticket Right From: Q (Frank Staplin) 20. Oh Sister Git Yo' Ticket Right Solo O sister git yo' ticket right Chorus Oh yes Solo For to enter into rest Chorus Oh yes Oh git yo' ticket git it right Chorus Oh yes Solo Oh git yo' ticket git it right Chorus Oh yes.- Other verses may be had by using the words father, mother, brother, pastor, teacher, etc. in place of the word sister. Not recorded in other collections, although a similar title, Git Yo' Ticket in M. A. Grissom, The Negro Sings a New Heaven. |
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10 Jul 10 - 09:53 PM (#2943250) Subject: Oh Wrastlin' Jacob From: Q (Frank Staplin) 105. Oh Wrastlin' Jacob Chorus- Oh wrastlin' Jacob Jacob day is a breaking Oh wrastlin' Jacob Jacob I will not let yo' go. 1 He hold my mother wid a tremblin' hand I will not let yo' go He hold my mother wid a tremblin' hand I will not let yo' go D. C. Other verses: He hold my Father, sister, brother, deacon, pastor, etc. Variants in Fisk Jubilee Collection and Slave Songs of the U.S. Compare Wrastlin' Jacob, this collection. |
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10 Jul 10 - 10:03 PM (#2943257) Subject: O Lord dese Bones of Mine Comin' Together .... From: Q (Frank Staplin) 86. O Lord Dese Bones of Mine Comin' Together in de Mornin' 1 O Lawd dese bones ob mine O Lawd dese bones ob mine O Lawd dese bones ob mine comin' togeder in de mornin'. Some join de Church to sing and shout comin' togeder in de mornin'. Befo' six months dey all turned out comin' togeder in de mornin'. 2 I look at me hand me hand look new Comin' togeder in de mornin' I look at me foot it look so too Comin' togeder in de mornin'. Not recorded in other collections but similar ideas in Dry Bones. |
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10 Jul 10 - 10:36 PM (#2943280) Subject: O Ride On Jedus From: Q (Frank Staplin) 112. O Ride On Jedus Chorus- O ride on Jedus ride on Jedus ride on conquerin' King I want t'-go t' hebben in de mornin'. 1 Ef you see my mother O yes Jis tell her for me O yes for t' meet me t'morrow in Galilee Want t' go t' hebben in de mornin'. 2 Ef you see my Father O yes Jes' tell him for me O yes For t' meet me t'morrow in Galilee Want to go to hebben in de mornin'. 3 Ef you see my sister etc. 4 Ef you see my brother etc. 5 Ef you see John de Baptis' O yes Jes' tell him fo' me O yes Dat I's been to de ribber and I's been baptize' Want t'go t'hebben in de mornin'. 6 Ef you want t'go t'hebben, O yes I'll a tell you how O yes Jes' keep yo' hands on de gospel plow Want t'go t'hebben in de mornin'. Variant in Negro Folk-Songs The Hampton Series Book 1 No. 1 recorded by Natalie Curtis-Burlin. G. Schirmer, Inc., 1918; Dover Pub., 2001. More complete musical score with alternate harmonies and notes, pp. 3-12. |
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10 Jul 10 - 10:52 PM (#2943286) Subject: O Watch de Stars From: Q (Frank Staplin) 71. O Watch de Stars Versions with slightly different melodies. (a) Version by Virginia Brown 1 O watch de stars see how dey run O watch de stars see how dey run de stars run down at de setting ob de sun O watch de stars see how dey run. 2 Jis watch de stars see how dey run [2x] De stars run down at de setting of the sun Jis watch de stars see how dey run. 3 Oh God's leetle army goin' to shine [2x] De stars run down at de setting of the sun O watch de stars see how dey run. (b) Version by Rina Miller O watch de stars see how dey run O watch de stars see how dey run de stars run down at de setting ob de sun O watch de stars see how dey run. Not recorded in other collections. |
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11 Jul 10 - 08:19 PM (#2943686) Subject: Pray Is de Key to de Kingdom From: Q (Frank Staplin) 89. Pray Is de Key to de Kingdom Pray is de key to de Kingdom and de world can do me no harm Pray is de key to de Kingdom and de world can do me no harm Pray is de key to de Kingdom and faith unlocks de do'- Ef dat so be to de Kingdom I got a key ebry'where I go. 2 Took Bruddah Paul and Silas And placed 'em in jail below, etc. But de angel came from heben And unlock de jailer's do'. 3 Took Brudduh John on Patmos And placed him in a kettle of oil, etc. But de angel came f'om heben And tol' him dat de oil wouldn't boil. Similar 1st verse in Prayer Is de Key of Heaven, R. N. Dett, Religious Folk-Songs of the Negro as Sung at Hampton Institute. Similar 1st verse and 6th verse (Paul and Silas) in I Got a Key to the Kingdom in M. A. Grissom, The Negro Sings a New Heaven, from Kentucky. |
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11 Jul 10 - 09:00 PM (#2943707) Subject: Rise Up, Shepherd an' Foller From: Q (Frank Staplin) 111. Rise Up, Shepherd an' Foller 1 Dere's a star in de Eas' on Christmas morn Rise up shepherd an' foller It 'll lead to de place where de Saviou's born- Rise up Shepherd an' foller. Chorus- Leave yo' sheep an' leave yo' lam's Rise up shepherd an' foller Leave yo' lives an' leave yo' rams Rise up shepherd an' foller Foller, foller, rise up shepherd an' foller foller de star of Bethlehem Rise up shepherd an' foller. 2 If you take good heed to do angel's words Rise up shepherd an' foller You'll forget yo' flock you'll forget yo' herd Rise up shepherd an' foller. Similar version and title in R. N. Dett, Religious Folk-Songs of the Negro as Sung at Hampton Institute App. IV Previously posted in thread 28709: Rise Up Shepherd |
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11 Jul 10 - 09:18 PM (#2943714) Subject: Roll Him Out Again From: Q (Frank Staplin) 29. Roll Him Out Again 1 Oh de debbil was a busy ole man He put de stumbling block in my way Jedus sent de good ole soul to Roll him out again. 2 Oh, Thomas was a busy ole man, He put etc.} continued as verse 1 3 Oh, Herod was a mean ole man, He put etc.} continued as verse 1 Not recorded in other collections. |
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11 Jul 10 - 09:32 PM (#2943718) Subject: Roll Jerdon Roll From: Q (Frank Staplin) 93. Roll Jerdon Roll Chorus- Roll Jerdon roll, Roll Jerdon roll My Soul arise in heben Lawd To hear sweet Jerdon roll. 1 My sister sat on de tree of life To hear when Jerdon roll Roll Jerdon roll, Jerdon roll, Jerdon roll 2 My brudduh sat etc. 3 My mother sat etc. 4 My father sat etc. (Also Deacon, Pastor, Preacher.) "Note: The following words are sung as the Chorus, in place of those written above, after some of the verses." Oh march de Angels march March de Angels march My soul arise in Hebben Lord To hear sweet Jerdon roll. "The last chorus must be sung as above." Variants in several collections from 19th C. on. |
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13 Jul 10 - 04:10 PM (#2944499) Subject: Room Enough in de Hebben From: Q (Frank Staplin) 102. Room Enough in de Hebben 1 Oh dere's room enough Oh dere's room enough dere's room enough in de heben I know dere's room enough Oh dere's room enough I cyan' stay behind. Chorus- I cyan' stay behind my Lawd I cyan' stay behind I cyan' stay behind my Lawd I cyan' stay behind. 2 Oh de lillies bloom Oh de lillies bloom De lillies bloom in heben I know Oh de lillies bloom I cyan' stay behind. 3 Oh de roses bloom in de heben I know, etc. I cyan' stay behind. 4 Oh de Angels sing in de heben I know, etc. I cyan' stay behind. "Note:- In the 1867 Edition of the Slave Songs of the U. S. the spiritual appears the reverse order of the above arrangement." Plenty Good Room in John W. Work, edit., 1940, American Negro Songs and Spirituals, has completely different verses; not the same message (Not found in John Wesley Work, 1915, Folk Song of the American Negro as listed in the Cleveland Index). |
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13 Jul 10 - 06:15 PM (#2944563) Subject: Same Train From: Q (Frank Staplin) 6. Same Train 1 Same train, same train Same train carry my mother Same train, same train Same train carry my mother Same train be back tomorrow (Go to Verse 2 without pause) 2 Same train carry my brudduh.... (1st line of Verse 1 omitted) 3 Same train carry my sister.... (3 through 6- Begin as Verse 2) 4 Same train carry my Father .... 5 Same train carry my Deacon .... 6 Same train carry my Pastor .... 7 Same train a-blowin' at de station etc., "making the necessary rhythmic changes." 8 Same train carry eb'rybody etc. (making necessary rhythmic changes) Note 1. In this song the first verse begins with the refrain, "Same train" omitting the 1st line of the melody; this 1st line is found in the succeeding verses. "Note 2. Frequently the word "go" used as an auxilliary is inserted before the word "carry" and the melody is rendered with the following changes. (Musical score differences shown)- Bar 1. Same train go carry my brudduh Bar 3. Same train go carry my brudduh Bar 5. Same train go carry my brudduh Bar 6. Same train go be back tomorrow. Also collected on Frogmore Island, 1913; Carl Diton, 1928, Thirty-six South Carolina Spirituals, G. Schirmer Inc. NY |
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13 Jul 10 - 07:50 PM (#2944601) Subject: Save Me Jedus, Save Me Now From: Q (Frank Staplin) 73. Save Me Jedus, Save Me Now 1 I'm goin' to climb up Jacob's ladder, Jacob's ladder I'm goin' to climb up Jacob's ladder, Jacob's ladder I'm goin' to climb up Jacob's ladder, Jacob's ladder Save me Jedus, save me now. 2 I'm goin' to set at de welcome table, welcome table, etc. Save me Jedus, save me now. 3 I'm goin' to march wid de tallest Angel, tallest Angel, etc. Save me Jedus, save me now. 4 I'm goin' to see my lovin' mother, lovin' mother, etc. Save me Jedus, save me now. 5 I'm goin' to shake right han' wid muh han' wid muh Jedus. etc. Save me Jedus, save me now. 6 I'm goin' to mount up higher and higher, higher and higher, etc. Save me Jedus, save me now. 7 God's goin' to set yo' sins befo' yo', sins befo' yo', etc. Save me Jedus, save me now. Lord, Have Mercy, R. N. Dett, Religious Folk-Songs of the Negro has different verses. |
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13 Jul 10 - 07:56 PM (#2944606) Subject: Save Me Now, Save Me From: Q (Frank Staplin) 44. Save Me Now, Save Me Solo 1 O yo' save muh brudduh Chorus Save me now save me Solo Save muh brudduh now, save me too Chorus Save me now save me. 2 O yo' save muh sister.... 3 O yo' save muh mother.... |
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13 Jul 10 - 08:14 PM (#2944614) Subject: Sometimes Muh Trubble Mek Me Tremble From: Q (Frank Staplin) 108. Sometimes Muh Trubble Mek Me Tremble 1 Were yo' dere when dey crucified muh Lawd Were yo' dere when dey crucified muh Lawd O sometimes muh trubble mek me tremble, tremble were yo' dere when dey crucified muh Lawd. 2 Were yo' dere when dey whipped him up Calvary O sometimes muh trubble mek me tremble. 3 Were yo' dere when dey lead him to Pilate's bar, O sometimes etc. 4 Were yo' dere when dey nail him to de cross, O sometimes, etc. 5 Were yo' dere when dey pierced him in de side, O sometimes, etc. 6 Were yo' dere when he hung his head and died, O sometimes, etc. 7 Were yo' there when dey laid him in de tomb, O sometimes, etc. 8 Were yo' dere when he rose up f'um de dead, O sometimes, etc. Widespread as Were You There; Did You Hear How They Crucified My Lord. |
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13 Jul 10 - 08:22 PM (#2944619) Subject: Some Will Lub Yo' and Some Will Hate Yo' From: Q (Frank Staplin) 82. Some Will Lub Yo' and Some Will Hate Yo' Some will lub yo' some will hate yo' trus' in Gawd and do de right Oh do de right, do de right trus' in Gawd and' do de right. Not recorded in other collections. |
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13 Jul 10 - 08:26 PM (#2944622) Subject: Sweet Watuh Rollin' From: Q (Frank Staplin) 59. Sweet Watuh Rollin' Sweet watuh rollin' sweet watuh roll Rollin' from de fountain sweet watuh roll. Not recorded in other collections. |
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13 Jul 10 - 09:46 PM (#2944643) Subject: Too Late; also Cya' duh Key, Gone Home From: Q (Frank Staplin) 33. Too Late Solo Too Late- Too late sinner Chorus Ah too late Solo Too late- Too late sinner Chorus Carry de key and gone home Solo Maussur Jedus lock de do' Lock de do' and tek de key Chorus Ah too late Solo Maussuh Jedus lock de do' Lock de do' and tek de key Chorus Carry de key and gone home. "Note: The second section of this song, after the 1st double bar, is sung as a relief not refrain to the 1st section which is constantly repeated- In the several repetitions of the 1st section the words are varied: 2. Too late, too late backsliders 3. Too late, too late liars 4. Too late, too late false pretenders 5. Too late, too late hypocrite "And so on using as many different epithets at the command of the leader denoting moral derelicts." "Note 2. Mr Aurelius J. Brown, the head in the Saint Helena Quartett sang also the following variations in the 2nd section- (with score fragment) Maussuh Jedus lock de door Lock de do' and tek de key. and the following in the 1st section- Ah too late sinner." The musical score is somewhat simplified in Johnson and Johnson, 1926, The Second Book of Negro Spirituals, and the text lacks verses 2-5. The source is not given (from Mr. Ballanta-(Taylor?) and there is no list of references. A variant was collected at Drayton Hall, Edisto Island, SC. Cya'* Duh Key, Gone Home
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14 Jul 10 - 09:47 PM (#2945267) Subject: To See Gawd's Bleedin' Lam' From: Q (Frank Staplin) 34. To See Gawd's Bleedin' Lam' Chorus- Want to go to heben when I die, when I die, when I die, want to go to heben when I die to see Gawd's bleedin' Lam'. 1 Jacob's ladder deep and long deep and long, deep and long Jacob's ladder deep and long to see Gawd's bleedin' Lam'. 2 See God's Angel comin' down, etc. To see Gawd's bleedin' Lam'. 3 Comin' down in a sheet of blood, etc. To see Gawd's bleedin' Lam'. 4 Sheet of blood all mingle wid fish, etc. To see Gawd's bleedin' Lam'. 5 Den yo' raise your voice up higher, etc. To see Gawd's bleedin' Lam'. 6 An' yo' jine de heavenly Choir To see the bleedin' Lam'. Also in Johnson and Johnson, Second Book of Negro Spirituals, dedicated to H. L. Mencken!. |
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14 Jul 10 - 09:58 PM (#2945273) Subject: T'ree Long Nights and T'ree Long Days From: Q (Frank Staplin) 57. T'ree Long Nights and T'ree Long Days 1 T'ree long nights and t'ree long days Jedus walkin' down de lane Walk Mary down de lane, walk Mary down de lane. D. C. 2 In de mornin' ec. Down de Lane. 3 Do believe, etc. Down de Lane. 4 Jedus call yo', etc. Down de Lane. 5 In de heben, etc. Down de Lane. 6 Git me license, etc. Down de Lane. 7 In my pocket, etc. Down de Lane. 8 'Fraid nobody, etc. Down de Lane. Also in Johnson and Johnson, 1926, Second Book of Negro Spirituals, Walk, Mary, Down de Lane. Same verses. |
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14 Jul 10 - 11:11 PM (#2945297) Subject: Walk in Jerusalem Jis Like John From: Q (Frank Staplin) 56 Walk in Jerusalem jis Like John Chorus- Ah Jerusalem Lawd Ah Jerusalem Lawd Ah Jerusalem Lawd Walk in Jerusalem just like John. 1 Leader Walk in Jerusalem Chorus All Gawd's people Leader Walk in Jerusalem Chorus Jis like John. 2 Walk in Jerusalem -my dear brudduh Walk in Jerusalem -jis like John. The words mother, sister, deacon, pastor, etc. may be used. Variants widespread. Carl Diton, Thirty-six South Carolina Spirituals collected a version on Frogmore Island, 1913, with the following verses: 1 Last Sunday morning (3x) Walk in Jerusalem just like John 2 Train am a-coming, etc. 3 She is loaded down with angels, etc. The song includes other material, a more complex song than the one from Saint Helena. |
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15 Jul 10 - 02:06 PM (#2945684) Subject: Way Bye and Bye From: Q (Frank Staplin) 60 Way Bye and Bye 1 Way bye and bye Oh way bye and bye We goin' to hab a good time Way bye and bye. 2 I goin' to meet my brudduh dere I goin' to meet my brudduh dere We goin' to hab a good time Way bye and bye. 3 I goin' to meet my Father dere (or mother, sister, etc.) 4 We don't need no gambler dere, etc. 5 We don't need no drunkards dere, etc. 6 We don't need no hypocrites dere, etc. 7 We need good Christians dere, etc. Way in de Heaven Bye-and-Bye, with slightly different musical score, was collected on Frogmore Island, 1913, by Carl Diton, Thirty-six South Carolina Spirituals, G. Schirmer Inc. NY. Not recorded in other collections. |
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15 Jul 10 - 10:45 PM (#2945925) Subject: Wheel in a Wheel From: Q (Frank Staplin) 1 Wheel in a Wheel Chorus- Wheel, wheel, wheel O wheel, my Lawd wheel, wheel Ezekiel said- 'Twas a wheel in a wheel. 1 Dark cloud risin' it looks like rain- Dark cloud risin' it looks like rain- Dark cloud risin' it looks like rain- the sun drawing water from Emanuel's veins. "Other parts as verse 1 with rhythmic alterations." 2 Git yo' bundle reddy I know it's time- Git yo' bundle reddy I know it's time- Git yo' bundle reddy I know it's time- Yo' *cyan' tell de winter f'um de summer time.- Cho.- 3 I wonder where is Moses he mus' be dead,- I wonder where Moses is he mus' be dead, I wonder where Moses is he mus' be dead,- De chillun ob de Israelites cryin' fo' bread. Cho.- 4 I wonder weh wuz Moses when de Church burn down- I wonder weh wuz Moses when de Church burn down I wonder weh wuz Moses when de Church burn down- Standin' obuh yonder wid his head hung down. Cho.- *cyan', can't. Also collected on Frogmore Island, 1913, Ezekiel Said Here Was a Wheel in a Wheel. Carl Diton, Thirty-six South Carolina Spirituals. |
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17 Jul 10 - 09:11 PM (#2946945) Subject: When de Train Comes Along From: Q (Frank Staplin) 10. When d Train Comes Along 1 When de train comes along When de train comes along I'm goin' to meet yo' at de station When de train comes along. 2-7 Ef mah mother ax for me, 3-Ef mah father ax for me, 4-Ef mah sister ax for me, 5-Ef mah brudder ax for me, 6-Ef mah deacon ax for me, 7-Ef mah leader ax for me, Tell her (him) death done summon me I'm goin' to meet yo' at de station when de train comes along. "Note: The 1st verse is sung again after all relationships have been exhausted." A similar variant posted in thread 97553; from Frogmore Island, SC, coll. 1913. Carl Diton, Thirty-six South Carolina Spirituals. |
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17 Jul 10 - 09:28 PM (#2946950) Subject: When I Am Gone, Gone, Gone From: Q (Frank Staplin) 42. When I Am Gone, Gone, Gone 1 When I'm gone, gone, gone when I'm gone to die no mo' Church I know yo' goin' to miss me when I'm gone. 2 Yo' goin' to miss me by muh walk Yo' goin' to miss me by muh talk Church I know yo' goin' to miss me when I'm gone. 3 Yo' goin' to miss de wuk I do Yo' goin' to miss me f'om muh pew Church I know yo' goin' to miss me when I'm gone. 4 Yo' goin' to miss me fo' muh song Yo' goin to miss me all day long Church I know yo' goin' to miss me when I'm gone. When I'm Gone in W. A. Fisher, Seventy Negro Spirituals, has the emphasis on 'Don't grieve after me'. |
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17 Jul 10 - 09:47 PM (#2946954) Subject: When I Git in Heben in Muh Elbow Chair From: Q (Frank Staplin) 90. When I Git in Heben in Muh Elbow Chair (How Yo' Do Believer How yo' Do Today- (See that title) 1 When I git in Heben in my *elbow chair T'ank Gawd I git obuh Jerdan Then I will rock like an angel rock T'ank Gawd I git obuh Jerdan. Chorus- Obuh Jerdan obuh Jerdan T'ank Gawd I git obuh Jerdan obuh Jerdan, obuh Jerdan, obuh Jerdan T'ank Gawd I git obuh Jerdan. 2 One mornin' by de break of day T'ank Gawd I git obuh Jerdan Heard a voice and saw no one T'ank Gawd I git obuh Jerdan. 3 'Twas King Jedus passin' by T'ank Gawd I git obuh Jerdan 'Twas King Jedus passin' by T'ank Gawd I git obuh Jerdan. *An elbow chair in furniture terminology has an angled back to fit in a corner and doesn't rock; a variant correctly states 'rocking chair'. |
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17 Jul 10 - 09:57 PM (#2946955) Subject: Who Lock de Lion's Jaw From: Q (Frank Staplin) 39. Who Lock de Lion's Jaw 1 Who lock, who lock de lion Who lock, who lock de lion Who lock, who lock de lion Who lock de lion's jaw. 2 God lock, God lock de lion's jaw 3 De door lock gone to heaven Who lock de lion's jaw (last line) 4 De key lost gone to hebben who lock de lion's jaw (last line). Not recorded in other collections. |
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19 Jul 10 - 02:17 PM (#2947771) Subject: Wrastlin' Jacob (No. 1) From: Q (Frank Staplin) 75. Wrastlin' Jacob (No. 1) 1 All night wrastlin' Jacob's all night All night till de break ob day O we will wrastle, wrastle all de night Till de break ob day. 2 All night dear young convert all night All night till de break ob day O we will wrastle, wrastle all de night Till de break ob day. 3 All night my dear brudduh, all night, etc. (Sister, Father, Mother, Pastor, Deacon etc. for other verses). |
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19 Jul 10 - 03:17 PM (#2947808) Subject: Wrastlin' Jacob (No. 2) From: Q (Frank Staplin) 103. Wrastlin' Jacob (No. 2) 1 Wrastlin' Jacob let me go Wrastlin' Jacob let me go Wrastlin' Jacob let me go I will not let yo' go. 2 Day is a-breaking Jacob let me go I will not let yo' go. 3 When yo' bless muh soul I'll let yo' go I will not let yo' go. Cf. R. N. Dett, Religious Folk-Songs of the Negro, 'Raslin' Jacob An additional verse: When I'm sinkin' down, pity me I will not let you go. |
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19 Jul 10 - 03:35 PM (#2947819) Subject: Yo' Better Run, Run, Run From: Q (Frank Staplin) 54. Yo' Better Run, Run, Run 1 Yo' better run, run, run, Yo' better run, run, run Yo' better run, run, run, and run in time Keep yo' hand upon de throtle And yo' eyes upon de prize. 2 If yo' cyan' sing like angels And yo' cyan' preach like Paul Yo' can tell de lub ob Jedus Yo' can say he died fo' all. 3 Oh when my mother gib me obuh Goin' to let God's bosom be my pillow Hide me Oh thou Rock of Ages Rock of Ages, cleft for me. Ryythmic alterations to suit the words of other verses (shown with music) 2. If yo' cyan' sing like angels etc. 3. Oh what my mother gib me obuh etc. |
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19 Jul 10 - 03:46 PM (#2947828) Subject: Yo' Better Run to de City of Refuge From: Q (Frank Staplin) 53. Yo' Better Run to de City of Refuge Chorus- Yo' better run. Yo' better run Yo' better run To the City of Refuge Yo' better run. Solo 1 Dere was some he prayed and prevail- Dey caught him at Jerusalem and put him in jail He stan' his trial in de name of de Lawd For he know he had a buildin' not made wid hand. D. C. 2 Daniel sat in de lion's den By de hand of wicked men Prayed to de Lawd and de Lawd come down An' de jaws ob de lions dey were boun'. The Chorus after every verse is started thus: Now yo' better run, etc. (with music) |
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19 Jul 10 - 04:24 PM (#2947846) Subject: Yo' Cyan' Find a New Hidin' Place From: Q (Frank Staplin) 36. Yo' Cyan' Find a New Hidin' Place Chorus- Yo' cyan' find a new hidin' place Lead- Oh sinner Chorus Yo' cyan' find a new hidin' place 1 Ef religion wuz a t'ing dat money could buy De rich would live and de po' would die. Lead- Oh Gambler- Chorus Yo', etc. 2 But I t'ank de Lord dat it is not so De rich a' de po' togedder must go. Cho. Yo' cyan' find a new hidin' place. 3 I run to de rocks an' de rocks fall in I run to de sea an' de sea run dry. Cho. Yo' cyan' find a new hidin' place. Note1: The Leader starts the chorus with the exclamatory words, "Oh Sinner, O Gambler, O Liar, O Hypocrite" etc. in the last bar of the Verse. Compare Cyan' Hide Sinner Cyan' Hide. |
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19 Jul 10 - 05:06 PM (#2947873) Subject: Yo' Go, I Go wid Yo' From: Q (Frank Staplin) 98. Yo' Go, I Go wid Yo' Yo go, I'll go wid yo' Open yo' mout', I'll speak fo' yo' Lawd, ef I go tell me what to say They won't believe in me. 2 Lawd, I give my self away 'Tis all that I cyan do If thou should draw Thyself f'um me Oh! whither shall I go? 3 The archangels don' droop their wings Went on Zion hill to sing, Now, yo' go, I'll go wid yo' Open yo' mouth, I'll speak fo' yo' Lawd, if I go tell me what to say, Dey won't believe in me. Lyrics divorced from the music in the printing of this spiritual. You Go, I'll Go with You, Carl Diton, Thirty-six South Carolina Spirituals, collected Frogmore Island, 1913, has solo and chorus parts, the music integrated with the words. You Go, I'll Go with You Chorus- Oh, you go, I'll go with you, Open your mouth, I'll speak for you. Solo- Lord, when I go and tell them what you say, Chorus- They will not believe in me. Father, I stretch my hands to Thee, No other help I know If Thou turn Thyself away Oh, whither shall I go. Oh, He gave me a ticket and He told me to go, He gave me a horn and He told me to blow, And if I blow my lungs away, The Lord will fix it in the coming day. You Go, I'll Go wid You The Second Book of Negro Spirituals Jonson and Johnson You go, I'll go wid you Open your mouth, I'll speak for you, Lord, if I go, tell me what to say, Dey won't believe in me. Oh, Lord, I give myself to Thee, 'Tis all dat I can do; If thou should draw thyself from me, Oh, wither shall I flee? De archangels done droop dere wings, Went up on Zion's hill to sing; Climbin' Jacob's ladder high, Gwine reach heab'n by an' by. Oh, you go, etc. |
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19 Jul 10 - 06:21 PM (#2947903) Subject: Yo' Mus' Hab dat True Religion From: Q (Frank Staplin) 2. Yo' Mus' Hab dat True Religion Chorus- Yo' mus' hab dat true religion Yo' mus' hab yo' soul converted Yo' mus' hab dat true religion Yo' cyan' cross dere. 1 Weh yo' goin' po' sinner Weh yo' goin' I say I am goin' down to de ribbuh ob Jerdan Yo' cyan' cross dere O yes, yo' etc. Cho.- Yo' {D. S. after each verse 2 Weh yo' goin' liar Weh yo' goin' I say I am goin' down to de ribbuh ob Jerdan Yo' cyan' cross dere O { 3 Weh yo' goin' gambler Weh yo' goin' I say I am goin' down to de ribbuh ob Jerdan Yo' cyan' cross dere. O { 4 Weh yo' goin' hypocrite Weh yo' goin' I say I am goin' down to de ribbuh ob Jerdan Yo' cyan' cross dere O { 5 Weh yo' goin' backslider Weh yo' goin' I say I am goin' down to de ribbuh ob Jerdan Yo' cyan' cross dere. O { You Mus' Hab dat True Religion in Johnson and Johnson, The Second Book of Negro Spirituals, has the same verses, and closes by repeating the chorus; Lord knows, You mus' hab etc. 'Whar you gwine po' sinnah', etc. |
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19 Jul 10 - 08:05 PM (#2947965) Subject: Yo' Publican, Yo' Pharisee From: Q (Frank Staplin) 63. Yo' Publican, Yo' Pharisee Yo' publican, yo' pharisee Yo' feed among de swine Yo' go to God wid yo' lip and yo' tongue Yo' leabe yo' heart behind. Wasn't dat a mighty day, Hallelu, Hallelu- Wasn't dat a mighty day when Jedus Christ wuz born. Not recorded in other collections. |
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20 Jul 10 - 04:07 PM (#2948526) Subject: RE: St. Helena Island Spirituals Permathread From: Q (Frank Staplin) Entry of spirituals complete. A little checking to do.... |
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17 Aug 17 - 06:01 PM (#3872212) Subject: RE: St. Helena Island Spirituals Permathread From: GUEST,Phiil d'Conch De good nyews bout Jedus Christ wa Luke write: the Gospel according to Luke, in Gullah Sea Island Creole, with marginal text of the King James Version Sea Island Translation and Literacy Team; Summer Institute of Linguistics; Wycliffe Bible Translators (New York: American Bible Society, 1998, ©1995.) Note: This has been the accepted spelling & pronunciation in classic Gullah & Bahamian Creole since Moses was a pup. |