Reba McEntire - Swing Low Sweet Chariot - Swing Down Chariot Lyrics
Lyrics
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Well I looked over Jordan and what did I see
Comin' for to carry me home
There's a band of angels comin' after me
Comin' for to carry me home
So swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing down chariot
Stop and let me ride
Swing down chariot
Stop and let me ride
Rock me lord, rock me lord
Calm and easy
I've got a home on the other side
Swing down chariot
Stop and let me ride
Swing down chariot
Stop and let me ride
Rock me lord, rock me lord
Calm and easy
I've got a home on the other side
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home, home
Video
Reba McEntire - Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (Live At Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN / 2017)
Meaning & Inspiration
Reba McEntire delivered a profound spiritual reflection with her release of "Swing Low Sweet Chariot - Swing Down Chariot" on June 13, 2022, offering a contemporary voice to a timeless hymn of faith. This rendition immediately draws one into a contemplative space, reinforcing the enduring power of sacred music to speak to the human spirit’s deepest yearnings for solace and eternal hope.
The foundational piece, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," traces its origins to African-American spirituals, born from the crucible of slavery. For generations, this song served as a powerful anthem of longing for deliverance, both from earthly bondage and for the ultimate freedom found in the embrace of the divine. The imagery of a "chariot" descending from heaven inherently symbolizes divine intervention and the journey of the soul to a promised land, a celestial escape from the tribulations of this world. It is a testament to unwavering faith in the face of unimaginable hardship, a beacon guiding weary souls towards their eternal home.
McEntire's interpretation thoughtfully carries this historical weight, focusing initially on the familiar refrain, "Swing low, sweet chariot / Comin' for to carry me home." This line encapsulates the Christian belief in a peaceful transition from life to eternity, a journey not taken alone but guided by divine grace. The desire to be "carried home" echoes the comforting promise of Jesus in John 14:2-3, where He assures His followers, "In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." The vision of looking "over Jordan" and seeing "a band of angels comin' after me" powerfully alludes to the crossing from earthly existence to the heavenly realm, much like the Israelites crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land (Joshua 3). It invokes the scriptural image of angels ministering to believers, even carrying them to paradise, as seen in the story of Lazarus in Luke 16:22.
The addition of the "Swing Down Chariot" segment deepens the song’s message, shifting from patient anticipation to an active, fervent invitation. The plea, "Swing down chariot / Stop and let me ride," expresses a readiness and eager desire for this divine transport. It signifies a soul prepared to meet its Creator, actively inviting the promised deliverance rather than passively waiting. This segment further asks, "Rock me Lord, rock me Lord / Calm and easy," a tender petition for peace and comfort during this ultimate transition, affirming trust in God's gentle hand to guide one through the valley of the shadow of death, as Psalm 23:4 reassures. The declaration, "I've got a home on the other side," serves as a resolute statement of faith, a confident assertion of eternal security rooted in Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. It mirrors the Apostle Paul's certainty in 2 Corinthians 5:1, "For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." This part also brings to mind the dramatic ascension of Elijah into heaven by a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11), providing a vivid biblical precedent for such a divine carrying away.
Reba McEntire’s vocal prowess brings an authenticity and a powerful sincerity to these sacred words, allowing the profound spiritual truth to resonate deeply. Her delivery, while stripped of overt showmanship, conveys the deep reverence and unwavering conviction that is central to the song's power. By merging the gentle yearning of "Swing Low" with the confident invitation of "Swing Down," her rendition creates a holistic narrative of faith, encompassing both patient expectation and fervent readiness for eternity. This song transcends mere musical performance; it functions as a spiritual balm, offering profound comfort and a steadfast reminder of the believer’s ultimate hope and destination.
Ultimately, "Swing Low Sweet Chariot - Swing Down Chariot" by Reba McEntire stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring message of Christian hope and redemption. It encourages every soul to look beyond present trials, affirming the promise of a heavenly home prepared for those who believe. This song’s message of divine comfort and eternal peace continues to uplift and inspire, drawing the heart toward the assurance found in Scripture and the unwavering love of our Creator. It serves as a beautiful reminder for all searching for spiritual encouragement and the deep-seated promise of "home."