Hi Q,

I am WooBerry, and I am a woman :)
I missed the repost because I have been working too much, but you answered part of what I wanted to know. I am waiting to get that book of the spirituals, but have to find a reasonable price.

I love spirituals of any sort, though I am not african in any way.
The music just appeals to me. I am not sure about the dialect, whether it is offensive or not. Seems not to be, because they use it on some of the prominent theological sites.

As for changes in songs, I love the history of any song, but I am also trying to adapt some songs for use in my Sunday School program. I think the appeal of the tunes lends them to use for a theological purpose (probably one of the origins of scripture to folk music?).

My question about this song is, clearly the palms of victory are a parousia reference (second coming) and if that is the case, might Joseph be Joseph of Arimathea, and Mary be Mary Magdalene, who were instrumental in the resurrection. However, I have no idea what the "keys of Bethlehem" would be unless it is refers to Jesus.

Anyway, it would be a fun song to sing with the kids, and many names can be substituted. Thanks all!

PS, I don't know how to add to the permathread.

Diana