[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
Ethiopian Song and Chorus from 1894
Words & Music by Barney Fagan
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Benjamin R. Tubb:
Lyrics
- Riding in the heav’nly row-boat,
Heading for the promise land,
Guided by the heav’nly music
Played by the Big Black Angel Band;
Dip my feet in Jordan’s water,
Draw the sin from my body out,
Then I’ll enter pure and spotless,
That place niggers all dream about.
Chorus:
Wait ’till Zion’s ready,
Then pull long and steady,
Hug the shore, look-out, don’t get out,
Where the current’s strong,
There the danger’s lurking.
Keep them oars a working,
Don’t you bob your head around,
But speed that boat along.
- Ridin in the heav’nly row-boat,
Steering for the golden shore,
Get on board, repentant sinners
Jump in position, grab an oar;
Wait ’till you hear old Gabriel’s trumpet,
Toot, then dip, don’t you dip too deep,
As you pass on out through Hell Gate,
Don’t wake satan up, let him sleep