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Down to the River to Pray Lyrics

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old 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 old 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 old 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 old 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 want to 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 old 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 old way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way !
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8 Meanings

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Cover art for Down to the River to Pray lyrics by Alison Krauss

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.

Cover art for Down to the River to Pray lyrics by Alison Krauss

not christian but this soong is good

@Crzy why would you say that? I talking about praying and GOD.

Cover art for Down to the River to Pray lyrics by Alison Krauss

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

Cover art for Down to the River to Pray lyrics by Alison Krauss

So beautiful ...

Cover art for Down to the River to Pray lyrics by Alison Krauss

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

Cover art for Down to the River to Pray lyrics by Alison Krauss

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

Cover art for Down to the River to Pray lyrics by Alison Krauss

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.

Song Meaning

@jalapeno2891 I agree.

Cover art for Down to the River to Pray lyrics by Alison Krauss

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.

Agree with ya. :)

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