Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From: GUEST,just me
Date: 12 Dec 11 - 09:59 AM

I read somewhere that the 5 gospel preachers were Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and then another one for all preachers that came after them....

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 05:30 PM

Reminds me of Y'a qu'un cheveu sur la tete a Matthieu... which is all puns, but religious ones.

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From: Slag
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 05:14 PM

Isn't it grammatically correct to say "Children Go Where I Send Ye"? in order to have agreement as to number? Just an observation.

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From: dwditty
Date: 23 May 10 - 10:57 AM

Jae and Eddie's version:

CLICK HERE

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 14 Apr 10 - 01:56 PM

Da, someone is hack the program, and Alex wise to you is now!
Seriously, what the....?!

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Mar 06 - 09:19 AM

Good job!

~S~

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From: GUEST,bna2rl
Date: 13 Mar 06 - 11:50 PM

I am trying to find the who behind the numbers.... eight does seem to stand for Noah's family, and seven for the seven men appointed to care for the believers after Pentacost - you probably know of Stephen, if not the others... I thought the four were the friends who let the man down through the roof when the crowds wouldn't let them through to Jesus, and that would make the five gospel preachers Peter, John, Matthew, Luke, and hmmm? Mark?... since Paul is already mentioned.

And the first verse as I learned it: I shall send thee one by one, one was the itty, bitty baby, wrapped in swaddling clothing, lying in a manger, born, born, born in Bethlehem. with itty, wrapped, and lying all starting the same note sequence.

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 06 Dec 05 - 04:28 PM

I didn't mention the version collected by Sharp, which he called "The Ten Commandments," although it has the full twelve verses ("One Hundred English Folksongs," ed. Cecil I. Sharp, 1916, Oliver Ditson and Dover reprint 1976).

one-e-ry: One and one is all alone...
two-e-ry: lily-white babes
3: Three of them are thrivers
4: Gospel makers
5: Flamboys under the boat
6: Six broad waiters
7: Seven stars in the sky (the Pleiades)
8: Eight commanders
9: Nine that brightly shine
10: Ten Commandments
11: Keys of heaven
12: Twelve apostles

See "GREEN GROW THE RUSHES (COMMENTARY)," Digitrad at top of page, for other explanations.

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From: Tannywheeler
Date: 06 Dec 05 - 03:11 PM

Missed this thread last year. Way back in '98, in the reference post by Joe Offer, there's a section on recordings. How did whoever compiled that list miss Burl Ives' recording of this song? That's the one I heard most in my childhood. Also heard it live a bunch of times: Mama; Pete Seeger(so great he's still gettin' out and about); maybe Josh White; and others. Then nothing for a while--then various groups on records. Cheerful, upbeat song. Encourages participation. Glad people still do it.         Tw

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 06 Dec 05 - 02:50 PM

Well, it just might possibly could be. Logical, anyways.

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 06 Dec 05 - 02:13 PM

Q: if there was a mention of "Two little babes" it would probably relate to Jesus and John the Baptist, who was related to Jesus, and born only slightly earlier (ref: Luke1 vv 30-37)

CHEERS
Nigel

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 06 Dec 05 - 01:30 PM

Azizi's posts emphasize that for most folks, the original words and meaning of this gospel song have been lost, and some lines have become meaningless.
Roger McGuinn's version is possibly closer to the original but finding the original American version, based on the old English complex of Twelve Apostles, Dilly Song, Green Grow the Rushes, Come and I Will Sing Thee, Carol of the Twelve Numbers, etc. is probably hopeless.

Sandys' record of 1833 the oldest? Sharp connected it with Hebrew ritual, but I haven't seen "Counting the Omer."

Leeneia, "Two for Joseph and Mary" is logical. Early songs in the complex vary, but some mention 'two little babes,' which I don't understand.

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 06 Dec 05 - 10:23 AM

When I was a kid, we had a little golden record of this, and it had "Two for Joseph and Mary."

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From: Azizi
Date: 05 Dec 05 - 09:32 PM

and "Mever mind" is supposed to be "Never mind".

Okay I quit.

[Oh, how I would love it if Mudcat had an editing feature like the one which can be used on The Annexe]

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From: Azizi
Date: 05 Dec 05 - 09:26 PM

Sometimes I gotta laugh at myself talkin 'bout other peoples' typos and then making my own.

"2 for Paula nd Silas" is supposed to be "2 for Paul and Silas"

[Maybe Paul had a twin sister named Paula, but if so I've never read about her]

Anyway, my bad.

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From: Azizi
Date: 05 Dec 05 - 09:22 PM

I just came back from a google search for this song and certainly does seem as though most people sang {sing" "2 for Paula nd Silas".

I found no lyrics that gave the line "2 for Mary and Joseph" that I remember.

Check out the lyrics to this song from Negrospirituals.com


Children, go where I send Thee
How will I send Thee,

I'm a-going to send Thee
One by one
As was the little baby born, born in Bethlehem

Two as Paul and Silas

Three as the Hebrew children

Four as the four, who stood at the door

Five as the five Gospel preachers

Six as the six, who never got fixed

Seven as the seven, who went up in heaven

Eight as the eight, who stood at the gates

Nine as the nine, who never went behind

Ten as the ten Commandments

Eleven as the eleven disciples

Twelve as the twelve apostles

-snip-

hmmm...

I don't know who is the site owner/moderator of negrospiritual.com and I know that it's different strokes for different folks {meaning different versions for different people & places} but I've NEVER heard anybody use "as" in this song instead of "for".

And I never heard any Black folks sing "I'm a-going to send Thee".
In my opinion, if Black folks nowadays sung that line at all, we'd sing "I'mma gonna.." But IMO, that "I'mma gonna" phrase is stigmatized as being too close to downhome slave dialect, and is therefore rarely used now unless we are purposely puttin on exagerrated dialectic Black talk for varied purposes.

Of course, this is just my opinion and my experience{s}.

But-since I'm on a roll, here's some other comments I have about the version of "Children Go Where I Send Thee" that is posted on negrospiritual.com:

I wonder if the line "Five as the five Gospel preachers" in that example is a misquote or a typo because that line doesn't seem to fit with the beat of the tune as I remember singing it. That line works if you sang "Five as the Gospel preachers".

The line "Seven as the seven, who went up in heaven" doesn't seem to fit the beat either..

I think it would fit if you said "7 as the people who went to heaven". See the difference? But I have to say that "as" bugs me...I keep wanting to but a "for" there instead...Habit I guess.

And as for the line "Nine as the nine, who never went behind" I have this to say:

"Never went behind" where? or what?? and why???
Can't you just hear kids rippin on each other singing "Nine for the girls with the big behinds"? I can.

I mean no disrespect. And I know that words in songs don't have to mean anything but... butt? behind?? as???

Mever mind.

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From: Azizi
Date: 05 Dec 05 - 08:35 PM

Guest missym05, I think that "seven that got to heaven" refers to seven people {true believers..Christians} who went to heaven when they died.. "Heaven" {conveniently} rhymes with the number "seven".

This is in contrast to the preceding "six that couldn't get fixed" which probably means six sinners who went the other way {I can not say that naughty word}

;o)

****

Of course, the "one for the itty bitty baby" refers to Jesus. Don't laugh-I didn't know this when I first started singing this song as a young child.

****

Also, thanks to Guest ATS 27 Dec 04 - 11:41 AM for her/his explanation of what a "derider" is.

****

I'm wondering if Guest Maxine's "born in a lowly manager" was supposed to be "born in a lowly manger. {ie. stable}

****

In re-reading my 03 Dec 04 - 10:13 PM post I'm not sure why I didn't write that I definitely recall singing "2 for Mary and Joseph" and not "2" for Paul and Silas."

Paul and Silas were featured in another African American song,
"Keep Your Eye On The Prize". I only remember singing this as a Civil Rights song:

Paul & Silas bound in jail
with no money to forgo their bail
keep your eye on the prize
and hold on, hold on.
Hold on. Ho-old on-on-on
Keep your eye on the prize
and hold on.

-snip-

Of course, "Keep your eye on the prize" is a whole 'nother song, and far be it from me to engage in thread drift.

{smile/wink wink #2}

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 05 Dec 05 - 08:06 PM

This song varies- some of the numbers stand for different things or people. Roger McGuinn says it's this-a-way for this not-too-old gospel song:

1-Little bitty Baby.
2-Two for Paul and Silas.
3- Three for the Hebrew Children.
4-for the four who stood at the door- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
5-for the Gospel preachers- the four above plus all the other Gospel preachers.
6-for the jars where the wine was mixed (Miracle at the wedding feast at Cana
7- seven for the seven who came from Heaven- the Seven-fold spirit of God.
8- Eight for the eight who sealed their fate- The eight people who entered Noah's ark.
9- Nine for the ninety-nine in line- Those waiting while the Good Shepherd sought his one lost sheep.
10- for the ten commandments.
11-for the eleven who went to heaven- The eleven disciples minus Judas Iscariot.
12- for the twelve apostles.

Some popular mistakes and variations-

In the DT:
six for the six that never got fixed!
seven for the seven who NEVER got to Heaven
eight for the eight who stood at the gate
nine for the nine dressed so fine
eleven for the eleven deriders ???

http://www.reveries.com/folkden/
Children

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From:
Date: 05 Dec 05 - 07:19 PM

Does anyone know who the seven the got to heaven were??

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 05:20 PM

Has anyone come across a version of this that Frank Warner used to sing?

"I'll sing you one
What is your one?
One is the little baby dressed in blue"
(spoken) That's Jesus, chile"


etc.


It's not in his written collection, and I've never come across a recording.

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From: GUEST,ATS - guest
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 11:41 AM

A derider is one who derides, as in derision.

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From: GUEST,Maxine
Date: 16 Dec 04 - 10:32 AM

I was at a religious banquet Saturday night and Children Go Where I Send Thee was one of the songs played. The words were:
Children, go where I send Thee
Where shall I send Thee
I'm gonna send Thee one by one
one for the little bitty baby
wrapped in swaddling clothing
born in a lowly manager
was born, born, born in Bethlehem.

The two inserts: "wrapped in swaddling clothing" and "born in a lowly manager" were new to me.

Any comments?

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From: GUEST,Gomer
Date: 07 Dec 04 - 10:07 PM

Any ideas as to who the five who stayed alive would be? Or for that matter, the six that never got fixed?
Have learned a lot reading this thread, and am anxious to know more.
thanks,
gomer

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 12:56 PM

Go above and find the links to 'Holy Babe" posted by Masato. These were recorded before the "Children, Go Where I Send Thee" version that was collected by Jean Ritchie. Children Go

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 12:41 PM

See Azizi's recent post in the Spirituals permathread-- there's some wonderful stuff that ought to be copied into this thread.

~Susan

---

Messages from multiple threads combined.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: Children Go Where I Send Thee
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 10:52 AM

This is such a great song that I want to know more about it. It's been in my Shaw Family Songbook for years, but we just started doing it because I just realized it works so well at Christmas.

Here are the words we use:

Children Go Where I Send Thee

Children go where I send thee, how shall I send thee?
I'm gonna send thee 1 by 1, 1 for the little bitty baby
That was born, born, born in Bethlehem.

Children go where I send thee, how shall I send thee?
I'm gonna send thee 2 by 2, 2 for Paul and Silas
1 for the little bitty baby
That was born, born, born in Bethlehem.

Children go where I send thee, how shall I send thee?
I'm gonna send thee 3 by 3, 3 for the Hebrew children
2 for Paul and Silas
1 for the little bitty baby
That was born, born, born in Bethlehem.

Children go where I send thee, how shall I send thee?
I'm gonna send thee 4 by 4, 4 for the 4 who stood at the door
3 for the Hebrew children
2 for Paul and Silas
1 for the little bitty baby
That was born, born, born in Bethlehem.

Children go where I send thee, how shall I send thee?
I'm gonna send thee 5 by 5, 5 for the 5 that stayed alive
4 for the 4 who stood at the door
3 for the Hebrew children
2 for Paul and Silas
1 for the little bitty baby
That was born, born, born in Bethlehem.

I'm gonna send thee 6 by 6, 6 for the 6 that never got fixed……
I'm gonna send thee 7 by 7, 7 for the 7 that never got to heaven……
I'm gonna send thee 8 by 8, 8 for the 8 who stood at the gate……
I'm gonna send thee 9 by 9, 9 for the 9 who looked so fine……
I'm gonna send thee 10 by 10, 10 for the 10 commandments……
I'm gonna send thee 11 by 11, 11 for the 11 who went up to heaven……
I'm gonna send thee 12 by 12, 12 for the 12 apostles…….

The Rise Up Singing songbook uses "gospel preachers" for #5, and an old Peter, Paul & Mary recording uses "5 that stayed alive" instead. Which is more common?

I've heard this is an old spiritual and each number represents something biblical. There's also an old mudcat thread that doesn't really tell me much. Anyone have any more information?

Subject: RE: Children Go Where I Send Thee - who are they?
From: masato sakurai
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 09:57 AM

Three field recordings are at American Memory from the Library of Congress: Sound Recordings (put "holy babe" into the search box).

1. "Children, I'm Goin' Way" - Silver Star Singers (rec. 1943)
2. "Holy Babe" - Davies Hill School Chorus (rec. 1943)
3. "Holy Baby, The" - Jubilee Quartet (rec. 5/20/1939)

"Holy Babe" (sung by Kelley Pace, Aaron Brown, Joe Green, Matthew Johnson, Paul Hayes) is on Various Artists: Negro Religious Songs and Services (Rounder).

Subject: RE: children go where I send thee - who are they?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 01:17 AM

Discussion of this song, of which the version "Children, Go Where I Send Thee" started again in the Spirituals Permathread, which is reserved for listing.

The traditional African-American version is in the DT, and was also posted by Azizi in the Permathread. The version found by Jean Ritchie at a black school in Kentucky needs to be posted here and compared with the one in the DT (is it the one in "Hymns and Carols of Christmas," linked below?). It seems to be the first accessible collection of "Children, Go..." in print.
Another collection of the song may have been made in 1911 by Shearin and Combs, "Syllabus of Kentucky Folk-Songs," 1911, p. 34 (listed in Randolph, "Ozark Folksongs," not seen).

There are several quite different branches of this leader and response song. Others that appear in Mudcat threads are:

The Twelve Apostles- thread 16291: Twelve Apostles
Green Grow the Rushes- thread 16291: linked above.
The Dilly Song- thread 34787, esp. version posted by Martin Graebe, from Devon and Cornwall: Dilly Song
Carol of the Twelve Numbers- not found.

The following are not in the lead and answer form and can be separated on that account from those above.
Twelve Joys of Mary- Seven Joys- DT and 54434: Seven Joys
Nine Joys- 75706: Nine Joys
Twelve Days of Christmas - several threads.

The origin is thought to be the Hebrew rubric, "Counting the Omer."

See discussion following the carol, "Children, Go Where I Send Thee" here: Children, Go

Subject: RE: African-American Spirituals Permathread
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 11:59 PM

We should have started a new thread for discussion and versions of the song. Perhaps Joe can transfer the discussion and versions from this reserved Permathread. [done] My fault, I think, for answering a question here.
The words posted by Azizi are those traditionally used and are already in our DT, and several websites including the English Traditional Music Library Tunebook, with music, three midi speeds and chords: Children Go

Thread 5139 has the right title. Lets continue there.

Subject: RE: African-American Spirituals Permathread
From: Margret RoadKnight
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 11:01 PM

Songs from Act 1 of the original '60s "Black Nativity" are out on CD, featuring Alex Bradford & Marion Williams.
The latter leads "Children Go", and her version includes:
12 Disciples
11 that went on to heaven
5 Gospel Writers

Subject: RE: African-American Spirituals Permathread
From: Azizi
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 10:18 PM

Sorry, I should have said that contemporary Gospel songs are performed in every 2nd act of the Black Nativity play that I have seen.

Subject: RE: African-American Spirituals Permathread
From: Azizi
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 10:13 PM

Guest jkelly & Q:
While this cumulative song may indeed not be of African American origin,it certainly can be said that we have adopted it and made it our own.

Here are the words that are usually given for the song:

Children, go where I send thee,
How shall I send thee?
I'm gonna send thee one by one
One for the little bitty- baby
born, born, born in Bethlehem.

Children, go where I send thee,
How shall I send thee?
I'm gonna send thee two by two
Two for Paul and - Silas
One for the little bitty - baby
born, born, born in Bethlehem.

(Repeat in decending order:)

Three for the Hebrew children...

Four for the four that stood at the door...

Five for the gospel preachers...

Six for the six that never got fixed...

Seven for the seven that never got to heaven...

Eight for the eight that stood at the gate...

Nine for the nine all dressed so fine...

Ten for the ten commandments...

Eleven for the eleven deriders...

Twelve for the twelve Apostles...

http://www.geocities.com/wiggie_ns/gowhere.html
--

Folks where I grew up {Atlantic City, N.J} sang #1 {one for the little bitty baby who was born, born, born in Bethlehem. And we didn't have a space between the words "bitty baby" or "Paul and - Silas" as seem to be suggested by the dash.

Other differences: Our #4 was sung "four for the children {or "the people} knockin at the door"; #9 was sung "Nine for the nine that were left behind" and #11 was sung as "Eleven for the night men ridin". With regard to #11, I could never figure out who were these night men riding and where...I guess I finally figured that they were riding to see baby Jesus in the manger. And now I guess it was all a case of folk etymology, substituting a familiar word for one that was unfamiliar. But frankly, I'm still not sure what a "derider" is...

Since "Children Go Where I Send Thee" has been baptized Black, if indeed it isn't really Black since you can't tell by looking ;0) the song is often included in performances of THE classic African American Christmas play: Black Nativity.

Written by renowned poet, novelist and playwright Langston Hughes, the 2 act "Black Nativity" is a unique blend of narrative, soulful gospel songs, and dance.

Black Nativity was first performed in 1961 in New York's 41st Sreet Theatre. The play is often performed annually, usually by African American theatre and dance groups. In Pittsburgh, PA each year the Shona Sharif African Dance & Drum Ensemble adds gospel singers, actors & actresses including children to its core group and manages to put on a slightly different exciting, high quality play every year. The first act of the play is about the birth of Jesus based on the gospel of Luke. Spirituals are sung in this act. Every 2nd act that I have seen has had Mary & Joseph and Baby Jesus attending a contemporary Black church service. This of course leaves plenty of room for great contemporary songs. Some humorous moments are usually included and both acts include dancing.

It's my understanding that once permission is given to put on Black Nativity, a list of songs is suggested but not mandated. Most of the time that I have seen this play, the performers includes a rendition of "Children Go Where I Send Thee" in act 1. Somewhere I have a cassette tape thatI purchased of a New York City performance of Black Nativity that includes "Children Go Where I Send Thee". The lyrics are sung soulfully uptempo of course.

Subject: RE: African-American Spirituals Permathread
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 09:13 PM

The song was sung in Cornwall. See "English County Songs," Broadwood, 1893; Sharp, "100 English Folk Songs."

It has been collected from Canada to the southeastern USA. Jean Ritchie collected it at a black school in Kentucky, where it may have been picked up from immigrant miners. This is the version best known in the United States. Also known as the 12 Apostles and other titles. Not found in the collections of old slave and plantation songs nor later collections of spirituals. Not listed as a spiritual in the Cleveland Index.
See thread 5139 and get references to other threads and comments from there. Children Go Where

For more details see Hymns and Carols of Christmas: Children Go

Subject: RE: African-American Spirituals Permathread
From:
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 08:15 PM

Looking for some info on "Children Go Where I Send Thee", history, explanations, anything.

Subject: RE: children go where I send thee - who are they?
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)
Date: 13 Apr 02 - 01:47 AM

Comments by Joe Offer in thread 5139. Green O

---

Oops! This is 5139. I was going by my obviously unclear notes. Type "Children, go" in the Digitrad and Forum search blank to find the song, "Children, Go Where I send thee," in the DT. A list of threads and messages is given below the list of songs. "Children. go..." is part of a cluster including the Twelve Apostles and Green grow the rushes O.

---

See "Green Grow the Rushes (Commentary) in the list you get with "Children go" I think that this is the explanation that Joe was pointing to. Don't know why his clickie won't work, since it is in the DT.

---

I moved the following messages here from another thread.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: children go where I send thee - who are they?
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)
Date: 13 Apr 02 - 01:29 AM

Go to thread 16291 for "some" tries at explanation and other versions. Green etc.

Subject: RE: children go where I send thee - who are they?
From: Bud Savoie
Date: 13 Apr 02 - 12:18 AM

Joe, your blue clicky seems to have timed out. I'm doing a search on the meaning of Children Go Where I Send thee and would like to see the explanation you found.

---

Fixed it.
-Joe Offer, Dec 2004-

Subject: RE: children go where I send thee - who are they?
From: Bill D
Date: 26 May 98 - 06:32 PM

wow...I've known the song for 35 years, and I learned more about it in the last few minutes than I had in all those years..(I used to spend HOURS in libraries looking for information like that!)

Subject: RE: children go where I send thee - who are they?
From:
Date: 25 May 98 - 07:56 PM

The Christmas one, I believe, is The Seven Joys of Mary, known throughout the English speaking world. Great Big Sea from Newfoundland did a Newfie version a few years back.

Subject: RE: children go where I send thee - who are they?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 May 98 - 07:25 PM

Tim, you're the one who led me where I wanted to go. Your song is indeed related to "Go Where I Send Thee." I KNEW there was good information on this somewhere in the database. Search under grnrush* and you'll find all the songs in the family. Here is an excellent explanation of the meanings of the verses.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: children go where I send thee - who are they?
From: Chet W.
Date: 25 May 98 - 07:15 PM

When I do this song around Christmas (usually for children's shows) I change some of the words to enhance the Christmas theme: Two for Mary and Joseph, Three for the three wise men, Four for the shepherds come to watch, Five for the guardian angels. I think that's as far as I go. Great done acapella with hand-clapping.

Chet

Subject: RE: children go where I send thee - who are they?
From:
Date: 25 May 98 - 06:38 PM

What song is this? Is this like the Newfoundland song "Come And I Will Sing Thee?" I thought it was "Four the Gospel writers." 12 the 12 apostles, etc. Figgy Duff did a version of this.

Subject: RE: children go where I send thee - who are they?
From: Ireland O'Reilly
Date: 25 May 98 - 05:29 PM

4 who stood at the door - probably the 4 men who lowered the lame man through the roof so that Jesus could heal him. They stood at the door, but could not get in. That's why they lowered the lame man through the roof of the house.

12 - is probably the 12 disciples.

Subject: RE: children go where I send thee - who are they?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 May 98 - 04:10 PM

There seems to be a parallel between this song and Green Grow the Rushes. I think we had a discussion of the meaning of the verses, but I haven't been able to find it yet.
Here is a link to the lyrics to CHILDREN, GO WHERE I SEND THEE, as we have them in the database. Don't worry about the garbage. I think it's just stuff that gets in there in the process of converting the database to HTML.
-Joe Offer-

---

Here is the entry on this song from the Traditional Ballad Index:

Children Go Where I Send Thee

DESCRIPTION: Cumulative song: "Children, go where I send thee. How shall I send thee? I'm gonna send thee one by one, One for the little bitty baby...." Add "Two by two, two for Paul and Silas" on up to "Twelve for the Twelve Apostles."
AUTHOR: unknown
EARLIEST DATE: 1936 (recording, Dennis Crampton & Robert Summers)
KEYWORDS: Bible religious Jesus cumulative nonballad
FOUND IN: US(Ap,So)
REFERENCES (7 citations):
Moore-Southwest 115, "Come Let Us Sing" (1 text, 1 tune)
Lomax-FSNA 254, "The Holy Babe" (1 text, 1 tune)
Ritchie-SingFam, pp. 163-164, 195, "[Children, Go Where I Send Thee]" (2 texts, 1 tune)
Ritchie-Southern, p. 54, "Little Bitty Baby (Children Go Where I Send Thee)" (1 text, 1 tune)
Botkin-SoFolklr, p. 754, "Holy Babe" (1 text, 1 tune)
Silber-FSWB, p. 383, "Children, Go Where I Send Thee" (1 text)
DT, GOSEND
Roud #133
RECORDINGS:
Alphabetical Four, "Go Where I Send Thee" (Decca 7704, 1940; on AlphabFour01)
Dennis Crampton & Robert Summers, "Go I'll Send Thee" (ARC 6-10-62, 1936)
Golden Gate Jubilee Quartet, "Go Where I Send Thee" (Bluebird B-7340, 1937; Victor 20-2134, 1947)
Kelley Pace, Aaron Brown, Joe Green, Matthew Johnson & Paul Hayes, "Holy Babe" (AFS 3803 A2+B, 1942; on LC10)
CROSS-REFERENCES:
cf. "Green Grow the Rushes-O (The Twelve Apostles, Come and I Will Sing You)" (theme and structure)
cf. "Eleven to Heaven" (theme and structure)
NOTES: This could well be an American version of "Green Grow the Rushes-O" (Roud naturally lumps those two and several others). But it's easy to create songs such as this one; in the absence of certainty, I treat them as separate. See also the notes on that song. - RBW
Last updated in version 3.3
File: LoF254

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Subject: RE: children go where I send thee - who are they?
From:
Date: 25 May 98 - 12:57 PM

1. the little bitty baby is jesus
2. paul and silas are the 2 who they are
3. the Hebrew children are shadrach meshach and abednego - I'm fairly sure
4 ?
5 the gospel preachers ---- i'd say mathew mark luke and john with the honorary paul as a likely 5th
6
7 is this the seven churchs as mentioned in revelations?
8
9 - the 9 lepers of the 10 who were healed and did not return?
10 for the 10 commandments

11 & 12

Subject: RE: children go where I send thee - who are they?
From: Ireland O'Reilly
Date: 25 May 98 - 12:37 PM

who? The Children?

Subject: children go where I send thee - who are they?
From:
Date: 25 May 98 - 12:23 PM

I can figure a few of them out but does anyone know who they all are ?