Down To The River To Pray

Album: O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
Play Video
  • As I went down in the river to pray
    Studying about that good ol' way
    And who shall wear the starry crown
    Good Lord, show me the way

    O sisters, let's go down
    Let's go down, come on down
    O sisters, let's go down
    Down in the river to pray

    As I went down in the river to pray
    Studying about that good ol' way
    And who shall wear the robe and crown
    Good Lord, show me the way

    O brothers, let's go down
    Let's go down, come on down
    Come on, brothers, let's go down
    Down in the river to pray

    As I went down in the river to pray
    Studying about that good ol' way
    And who shall wear the starry crown
    Good Lord, show me the way

    O fathers, let's go down
    Let's go down, come on down
    O fathers, let's go down
    Down in the river to pray

    As I went down in the river to pray
    Studying about that good ol' way
    And who shall wear the robe and crown
    Good Lord, show me the way

    O mothers, let's go down
    Come on down, don't you wanna go down?
    Come on, mothers, let's go down
    Down in the river to pray

    As I went down in the river to pray
    Studying about that good ol' way
    And who shall wear the starry crown
    Good Lord, show me the way

    O sinners, let's go down
    Let's go down, come on down
    O sinners, let's go down
    Down in the river to pray

    As I went down in the river to pray
    Studying about that good ol' way
    And who shall wear the robe and crown
    Good Lord, show me the way Writer/s: Traditional
    Publisher: HAL LEONARD LLC, Unison Rights S.L.
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 3

  • Charles H. Penick from Martin Tn.mike from syracuse ny. maybe you just got a touch from the HOLY GHOST great huh
  • Mike from Syracuse, NyLest I forget to give props to the First Baptist Church of White House, TN, as well as such heavenly vocalists as Tim O'Brien, Maura O'Connell, Pat Enright, Sam Phillips and Gillian Welch, all of whom sing backup on this song. Of course, all of this without benefit of musical instruments of any type. This is sung a cappella, and the harmonies are wonderful.
  • Mike from Syracuse, NyI am going to include a quote here that comes from a review of an Alison Krauss CD on allmusic.com because the writer puts it much more eloquently than I ever could. I hope I'm not stepping on anyone's toes here. "The simple fact is that every time Krauss opens her mouth to sing, angels stop what they're doing and take notes. There may be no musical pleasure quite as pure and sweet as listening to Krauss sing "Baby, Now That I've Found You" or "When You Say Nothing at All." And when she starts in on the impossibly beautiful gospel tune "Down to the River to Pray," the effect is almost disturbingly moving."
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo Lyric

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo LyricMusic Quiz

In this quiz, spot the artist who put Romeo into a song lyric.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Stan Ridgway

Stan RidgwaySongwriter Interviews

Go beyond the Wall of Voodoo with this cinematic songwriter.

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.