Lyrics
Verse 1
As I went down to the river to pray
Studyin about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord show me the way
Chorus
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
Verse 2
As I went down to the river to pray
Studyin about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord show me the way
Chorus (Repeat)
O brothers let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
O brothers let's go down
Down in the river to pray
Verse 3
As I went down to the river to pray
Studyin about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord show me the way
Chorus (Repeat)
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
Verse 4
As I went down to the river to pray
Studyin about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord show me the way
Chorus (Repeat)
O mothers let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
O mothers let's go down
Down in the river to pray
Verse 5
As I went down to the river to pray
Studyin about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord show me the way
Chorus (Repeat)
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
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Down to the River to Pray” as sung by Alison Krauss is a traditional spiritual about seeking God. The singer goes down to the river to pray, thinking about the good old way and who will wear the robe and crown, and asks, “Good Lord, show me the way.” Each verse then calls a different group to come along.
The groups are sisters, brothers, fathers, mothers and finally sinners, so the invitation moves through a family and ends with those who most need to hear it. The repeated chorus, “Let’s go down, come on down,” makes the song easy for a crowd to join, and the refrain is plain and patient.
The image of the crown is close to 2 Timothy 4:8 and Revelation 2:10, and going to the water for prayer or baptism recalls Acts 16:13 and Matthew 3:13. The prayer for guidance is close to Psalm 25:4. The tune is slow and quiet, with the arrangement leaving plenty of room for the words and harmony.
Related Scripture
- Psalm 25:4 Show me Your ways, O Lord
- 2 Timothy 4:8 The crown of righteousness
- Acts 16:13 A place of prayer by the river