"Wade in the Water" has a simple spiritual form. It was made famous by the singing of Roland Hayes. Here is his version, from William A. Fisher, Seventy Negro Spirituals, Oliver Ditson Co., 1926, sheet music (bound), p. 184-187. This is the only version listed in the Cleveland Index, but there are several versions recorded by various singers.

WADE IN THE WATER

Wade in de water, wade in the water, go down,
Wade in de water, wade in the water, and be baptized.

I would not be a sinner,
I tell you the reason why,
'Cause if my Lord should-a call on me
I wouldn't be ready to die.

Wade in de water, wade in de water, go down,
Wade in de water, wade in de water, and be baptized.
Wade in de water, wade in de water, go down,
Wade in de water, wade in de water, and be baptized.

I would not be a back-slider,
I tell you the reason why,
'Cause if my Lord should-a call on me,
I wouldn't be ready to die.

Chorus

Don't see a relationship here.