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Stories Behind The Hymns
MICHAEL, ROW THE BOAT ASHORE
The story of the Negro Spirituals is closely linked to the history of African- Americans. Almost all the Africans who arrived first in America were slaves. This was prior to 1865. They came from several regions of Africa mostly from the West Coast. They had to work mostly on plantations, but many worked for their masters in the towns and cities. Slavery not only affected the lifestyle of owners but slavery also affected the American way of life. Churches were definitely affected by blacks wanting to worship. The African culture reflected rituals that were brought from Africa. This included chanting, dancing, playing bongo drums etc. during their worship experiences. They believed in a freestyle worship, and responded to their feelings instead of a planned program. Some rural slaves on plantations were allowed to attend worship services in the white churches, or they were furnished a building called the "Praise House" to worship with song and dance, but they were not allowed to play drums or bongos, as they did in Africa. This resulted in the slaves holding secret meetings at night after the masters were asleep. These meetings were usually held in the woods near the slaves' living quarters. It was not unusual for slaves from an adjoining plantation to slip over for the worship meetings. These were sometimes referred to as "Camp Meetings," "Bush Meetings"' or Brush Arbor Meetings." The visiting slaves were taking a chance because if they had been caught, they would have been punished. The risk was worth the rewards. The slaves could meet new friends, become reacquainted with lost family members, share their joys, pains and listen to uneducated preachers and sing praises to God, in the form of spirituals. Spirituals were sung in the fields, cotton, rice, wheat, corn etc. to help pass the time of day. This is were most all spirituals were created and no one person is credited with writing the words or music because both came spontaneous and was passed down from generation to generation. We have had a revival of spirituals in the United States in the last 50 years with pop groups recording them and having great success. They will probably live forever. This spiritual was created and sung in the Islands off the coast of Georgia, now referred to as Sea Island, Georgia. It was, first published in 1867 by William Francis Allen. "Michael, Row The Boat Ashore" refers to the river Jordan, in the lyrics. This could have been inspired by the slaves on Sea Island trying to escape from hurricanes that battered the islands. Many died as a result of hurricanes because there was no escape route. They were trapped on the island, and the only way off was by boat. The words could refer to a person responsible for rowing the boat ashore to the mainland of Georgia, or it could refer to, (I prefer this version)" River Jordan" being the metaphor for the death, which they certainly faced during hurricanes and Michael referring to the archangel Michael. In Christian tradition Michael is often referred to as the conductor of the souls of the dead. This particular spiritual was recorded in 1957,1960,1961 and 1962. The 1961 recording was a number one hit. This is that wonderful spiritual. Stories Behind The Hymns is written by Warren Shiver of Biscoe,NC. Shiver has been fascinated with the true stories behind the hymns since he was a 12-year old attending East Gaffney Baptist Church in Gaffney, S.C. He began studying the stories behind the hymns in 1957. If you have questions or comments, he can be reached by email at wshiver99@embarqmail. com or by mail at PO BOX 775,Biscoe,NC 27209. Warren has written two books, the first is a 300-page soft back, 104 Of My Favorite Hymn Stories Vol. 1 costs $14.95, the second book, 340-page soft back, 104 Of My Favorite Hymn Stories Vol. 2 costs $16.95. You may buy both books for $25.00. You may pick up your copies of both books at The Gaffney Ledger office on Floyd Baker Boulevard. Warren may be reached by email at wshiver99@embarqmail.com, or by mail at PO Box 775, Biscoe, NC.27209, you may also purchase the books on his website www.myfavoritehymnstories.com. Shipping for both books is $4.00, for one book $3.00. If you would like for Warren to come speak at your church, Sunday school class or any meeting you may contract him at 910-428-9911 or 910-428-4078. Michael Row the Boat Ashore Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah My brothers and sisters are all aboard, hallelujah My brothers and sisters are all aboard, hallelujah Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah The river is deep and the river is wide, hallelujah Milk and honey on the other side, hallelujah Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah Jordan's river is chilly and cold, hallelujah Chills the body but warms the soul, hallelujah Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah This article may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or by any means, Electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system now known or hereafter invented, without written permission from the author. |
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