As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way

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

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way

O brothers, let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
Come on, brothers, let's go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way

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

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way

O mothers, let's go down
Come on down, don't you wanna go down?
Come on, mothers, let's go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way

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

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way


Lyrics submitted by Marno

Down to the River to Pray Lyrics as written by Traditional

Lyrics © HAL LEONARD LLC

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Down to the River to Pray song meanings
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8 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment

    my school choir has done this song at a concert, and it made most of the audience cry. some people even started to sing along. it's amazing to know that one song can have so much influence on a group of people.

    mimi_lynnon May 15, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    not christian but this soong is good

    Crzyon August 03, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Whether you're Christian or not, this song doesn't fail to send a shiver down your spine.

    honestfion November 05, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    So beautiful ...

    freewneelon July 11, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I get faith and love from this song. I feel closer to God when I listen to it. It also makes me think of my loved ones that have passed on. Touching

    jlbowenon November 02, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Biffy Clyro had this at the entry music at reading/ Leeds festival 2010 :) made me tremble its a beautiful song

    Toddy9321on September 04, 2010   Link
  • 0
    Song Meaning

    I think this song is stating that no one is perfect enough to wear a crown, for they are all sinners. And the "lets go down in the river to pray" alludes to Jesus's baptism in the river, thus getting rid of sin.

    jalapeno2891on October 10, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Jalepano said it better than I could. Loved the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? The album won a grammy and rightfully so. Great movie cinematology (sp?) and soundtracks. Alison Krauss seldom fails to impress.

    SweetCheeks2on February 19, 2012   Link

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