The Imperials - Swing Low/Swing Down Chariot Lyrics

Swing Low/Swing Down Chariot Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Swing Low/Swing Down Chariot by The Imperials is a classic gospel song that has been loved and sung by Christians for generations. The song is based on an old African-American spiritual that speaks of a chariot coming to take a believer home to heaven. The lyrics of the song are simple yet powerful, and they express the hope and joy that believers have in Christ.

The Meaning of Swing Low/Swing Down Chariot

The lyrics of Swing Low/Swing Down Chariot are centered around the idea of a chariot coming to take a believer home to heaven. The first verse of the song goes:

Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home

The phrase "swing low" is a reference to the idea of a chariot descending from heaven to take a believer home. The word "sweet" emphasizes the joy and anticipation of the believer as they await the arrival of the chariot. The song speaks of the believer's longing for heaven and their hope in Christ's return.

The second verse of the song goes:

Why don't you swing down sweet chariot
Stop and let me ride
Swing down chariot
Stop and let me ride
Rock me Lord, rock me Lord
Calm and easy
Well I've got a home on the other side

In this verse, the believer is calling out to the chariot to stop and let them ride. The phrase "rock me Lord" is a request for comfort and assurance from God. The believer is confident in their salvation and knows that they have a home in heaven waiting for them.

The Inspiration and Story Behind Swing Low/Swing Down Chariot

The origins of Swing Low/Swing Down Chariot are unclear, but the song has its roots in the African-American spiritual tradition. It is believed that the song was originally sung by slaves in the United States in the 19th century. The song was often sung in secret, as slaves were not allowed to gather and worship together. The lyrics of the song expressed the slaves' longing for freedom and their hope in God's deliverance.

The song gained popularity in the early 20th century and was recorded by many gospel artists, including The Imperials. The Imperials' version of the song, released in 1972, features a soulful arrangement that showcases the group's harmonies and vocal prowess.

Bible Verses Referenced in Swing Low/Swing Down Chariot

Swing Low/Swing Down Chariot references several Bible verses that speak of the believer's hope in Christ's return and their anticipation of heaven. One of the most well-known verses referenced in the song is Revelation 22:20, which says, "He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"

Another verse referenced in the song is 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, which says, "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever."

The song also references Psalm 23:4, which says, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." This verse speaks of the believer's trust in God's protection and comfort in difficult times.

Practical Application of Swing Low/Swing Down Chariot to Christian Living

Swing Low/Swing Down Chariot is a song that speaks of the believer's hope in Christ's return and their anticipation of heaven. As Christians, we are called to live with this same hope and anticipation. We are to live with the understanding that our time on earth is temporary and that our true home is in heaven.

This means that we should not be overly attached to the things of this world. We should not be consumed by the pursuit of wealth, success, or pleasure. Instead, we should focus on living for Christ and storing up treasures in heaven. Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-20, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."

Living with the hope of heaven also means that we should be prepared for Christ's return. We should be living holy and righteous lives, always seeking to please God. 1 John 3:2-3 says, "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure."

Conclusion

Swing Low/Swing Down Chariot is a classic gospel song that speaks of the believer's hope in Christ's return and their anticipation of heaven. The song's simple yet powerful lyrics express the joy and assurance that believers have in their salvation. As Christians, we are called to live with this same hope and anticipation, always seeking to store up treasures in heaven and live holy and righteous lives. May we never lose sight of our true home in heaven and always live with the hope of Christ's return.