“Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”
“Sweet Low, Sweet Chariot” is in fact a Black spiritual which, at least in sentiment, dates back to the days of American slavery. And like many popular songs from that era which fit this classification, it has two main characteristics. One is that it is partially based on the Bible. This is for instance where the reference to the River “Jordan” comes from. Secondly it expresses, albeit metaphorically, the singer’s desire to be free. And the way the song plays out, in the mind of the writer said freedom would be tantamount to death. And this is indicative of how pessimistic some American slaves felt in terms of overcoming their institutionalized oppression.
Wallis Willis
Now it has been put forth that Wallis Willis, who is recognized as the writer of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” was in fact a slave. However, it is suspected that he may have perhaps already been freed by the time he composed this song. And if such is the case, the way the lyrics could then be interpreted is that he is instead desiring to be free from the oppressive, racists systems which succeeded formal slavery, such as Jim Crow. Indeed the tune did not really blow up, if you will, until some 50 years after slavery had concluded. Although according to historical accounts, he did write this song while still enslaved. In other words, it may be historical, but its meaning also represents a pervasive sentiment in the African-American experience.
“Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home”
When was “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” released?
Being that this is a folk song in the truest sense of the word, its exact date of origin is unknown. However, its earliest-known recording dates back to 1909, as performed by the Fisk Jubilee Singers. In fact it was their version which the Library of Congress added to the National Recording Registry in 2002.
Covers and Popular Usage
There have been many famous musicians whom we in the more-modern world are familiar with that have covered this song throughout the years. This list includes Paul Robeson, Louis Armstrong, Sam Cooke, Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton and UB40.
“Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” has also been featured on a number of television shows and movies throughout the decades including the following:
- “Blazing Saddles (1974)
- “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983)
- “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood” (1993)
- “The X Factor: Celebrity” (2019)
And let’s not forget that it was also featured, albeit briefly, on the iconic film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986).
That is to say this song has remained popular for well over a century now. Indeed even if you don’t know its exact wording, chances are you’re still familiar with it in some way, shape or form. And we think such is quite an amazing feat considering that it is believed to have been written by a man, actually an ex-slave, named Wallace Willis as far back as the mid-19th century.
For instance, fans of the England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU) have been using this song at least since the 1980s. And it has become a popular chant amongst them – so much that controversy arose due to its usage in mid-2020. This year marks one of the woke eras in Western history, and accordingly executives of the RFU are considering banning the song due to its origins in slavery.
