Azizi, I have been enjoying your posts to various threads on this board. I hope to see more of them in the future.

As for Nina Nan's concern that it might be innapropriate to sing "Down By The Riverside' while the Nation of the congregants is engaged in armed conflict, I don't really see why. The lyrics to this song are a paraphrase of a Biblical verse! Since both the Hebrew Books of the Bible and the Greek Books of the Bible (The 'old' and 'new' testaments) contain many such verses I fail to see why this one reference is in any way more or less appropriate. I'm not picking on Nina Nan for being concerned, I'm just trying to give her some points to argue in it's favor. Allow me to elaborate.

Azizi makes a good point when he suggests that a proper interpretation of this lyric could be that the person singing is speaking of a personal transformation away from violence and destruction and towards peace. This could be a powerful message in a city where Gang violence rages or where domestic violence is common. The lyrics don't really seem to be suggesting that the singer is contemplating anything more than what he/she can do to bring him/herself closer to God and God's plan to eventually abolish all suffering. It's a song about a change of heart - a life-altering change of heart.

It is true that various groups promoting Peace have over the years sung this song to express their views musically. However, I am not aware of this song being currently associated with any 'anti-war' movement active in the United States and I don't think very many people would find it offensive. Still, if you have a concern, it's best to discuss it amongst the elders/leaders of your congregation. This is a fine traditional song that usually recieves an enthusiastic response from congregations. There are many additional verses that can be used to give the song a wider meaning and it might be good to include them.

I wish Nina Nan all the best in getting this wonderful song included into her repertoire. It's greatly loved by people of all ages and has enough verses that it can be tailored to meet any need.