Michael, row the boat ashore, Hallelujah"Michael" in this traditional African American spiritual refers to Archangel Michael. As this song originated in oral tradition, there are many versions of the lyrics.
Michael, row the boat ashore, HallelujahSara, help to trim the sails, Hallelujah
Sara, help to trim the sails, HallelujahThe river is deep and the river is wide, Hallelujah
Milk and honey on the other side, HallelujahMichael row the boat ashore, Hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelujah
I decided to record what I thought I recalled singing in my youth in the early 1960's. I have to admit my memory could be flawed, because I've since found numerous versions of lyrics that state, "Sister, help to trim the sails," but none that state, "Sara, help to trim the sails." Apparently Peter, Paul and Mary in their recorded version sang "Sister," not "Sara."
Other versions of the lyrics refer to the "Jordan river," "milk and honey," "gospel boat," an "unknown land" where the "Lord, he plant his garden," "Gabriel," etc
This song was first published in Slave Songs of the United States, by Allen, Ware, and Lucy McKim Garrison, in 1867. It was previously noted during the American Civil War at St. Helena Island, one of the Sea Islands of South Carolina.
According to William Francis Allen, the song does refer to the Archangel Michael. In Christian tradition, Michael is often regarded as a psychopomp, or conductor of the souls of the dead. Thus, some say the River Jordan could be viewed as a metaphor for a passage to heaven. The oldest published version of some of the lyrics from 1867 certainly gives some support to this interpretation:
Jordan stream is wide and deep.Charles Pickard Ware wrote the song down in music notation as he heard the freedmen sing it. Ware supervised the plantations on St. Helena Island from 1862 to 1865. He was a Harvard graduate and an abolitionist. Reportedly, William Francis Allen (Ware's cousin) had heard this song in 1863 while riding in a boat crossing Station Creek.
Jesus stand on t' oder side.
I wonder if my maussa deh.
My fader gone to unknown land.
O de Lord he plant his garden deh.
He raise de fruit for you to eat.
He dat eat shall neber die.
When de riber overflow.