VocalEssence Chorus, VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, VocalEssence Singers Of This Age, Moira Smiley-banjo & Sonja Thompson-piano

Written by Blind Willie Johnson (1897 - 1945).
Recorded with Willie B. Harris (April 20, 1930, Atlanta, GA)
This adaptation is rooted in Sidney Hemphill Carter rendition, which changed Johnson’s melody but kept the essential text. Hemphill-Carter sang a melody similar to the soprano part notated.
She gave weight and depth to this perfect expression of our innate reliance upon and responsibility to each other.

I went to the river, but the river was dry.
The dust rose up to a darkened sky.
Tell me, where is hope?
Where do the waters run clear?
I do not know my way from here.
Come, and stand in that river.
Current, gentle and slow.
Send your troubles down water.
Down on that water flow.
When you stand in that river,
Angels sing in your head.
Secrets beyond every worry
dreams beyond every dread.
Tell me, sister, brother;
Where does that river flow?
It flows down to the great water,
Where soon my people will go.
Oh, Time passes.
Passes on down the stream.
Some days are so much sweeter.
Some days pass like a dark dream...so
Come, and stand in that river.
Current, gentle and slow.
Send your troubles down water.
Down on that water flow.
—Moira Smiley