A Choctaw freedman in the old Indian Territory, Wallis Willis, wrote "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" ,in what is now Choctaw County, near the County seat of Hugo, Oklahoma sometime before 1862. He was inspired by the Red River, which reminded him of the Jordan River and of the Prophet Elijah's being taken to heaven by a chariot (2 Kings 2:11). Many sources claim that this song and "Steal Away" (also composed by Willis) had lyrics that referred to the Underground Railroad, the resistance movement that helped slaves escape from the South to the North and Canada.

Alexander Reid, a minister at the Old Spencer Academy, Choctaw boarding school, heard Willis singing these two songs and transcribed the words and melodies. He sent the music to the Jubilee Singers of Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. The Jubilee Singers popularized the songs during a tour of the United States and Europe.

TRADITIONAL LYRICS

Chorus:

Swing low, sweet chariot

Coming for to carry me home,

Swing low, sweet chariot,

Coming for to carry me home.

I looked over Jordan, and what did I see

Coming for to carry me home?

A band of angels coming after me,

Coming for to carry me home.

Chorus

Sometimes I'm up, and sometimes I'm down,

(Coming for to carry me home)

But still my soul feels heavenly bound.

(Coming for to carry me home)

Chorus

The brightest day that I can say,

(Coming for to carry me home)

When Jesus washed my sins away.

(Coming for to carry me home)

Chorus

If I get there before you do,

(Coming for to carry me home)

I'll cut a hole and pull you through.

(Coming for to carry me home)

Chorus

If you get there before I do,

(Coming for to carry me home)

Tell all my friends I'm coming too.

(Coming for to carry me home)

Chorus

"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" is a historic American Negro spiritual. The first recording was in 1909, by the Fisk Jubilee Singers of Fisk University.

In 2002, the Library of Congress honored the song as one of 50 recordings chosen that year to be added to the National Recording Registry. It was also included in the list of Songs of the Century, by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts.

© 2012 Shiloh Worship Music COPY FREELY;This Music is copyrighted to prevent misuse, however,permission is granted for non-commercial copying-Radio play permitted- www.shilohworshipmusic.com

Our Bluegrass Gospel Version of the Classic Celtic Hymn Be Thou My Vision 

Banjo, Acoustic Bass, Mandolin, Fiddle, Guitars, and Flute.

Blessings to you!

Shiloh Worship Group

 www.shilohworshipmusic.com

1. Be Thou my vision,

O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me,

save that Thou art

Thou my best thought,

by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping,

Thy presence my light.

2. Be Thou my wisdom,

and Thou my true Word;

I ever with Thee and

Thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father,

and I Thy true son;

Thou in me dwelling,

and I with Thee one.

3. Riches I heed not,

nor man's empty praise,

Thou mine inheritance,

now and always:

Thou and Thou only,

first in my heart,

High king of heaven,

my treasure Thou art.

4. High king of heaven,

my victory won,

May I reach heaven's joys,

O bright heaven's sun!

Heart of my own heart,

whatever befall,

Still be my vision,

O ruler of all.

Be Thou My Vision (Irish: Bí Thusa 'mo Shúile) is a traditional hymn from Ireland, which is commonly attributed to Saint Dallán Forgaill.It is popular among English-speaking churches around the world.

Saint Dallán Forgaill (ca. 530–598), was an early Christian Irish poet, best known as the writer of the early Irish poem Rop tú mo baile, the basis of the modern English hymn Be Thou My Vision.

in the Public Domain; © 2012 Shiloh Worship Music COPY FREELY;This Music is copyrighted to prevent misuse, however,permission is granted for non-commercial copying-Radio play permitted- www.shilohworshipmusic.com

Our version of the Classic hymn Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing in the Bluegrass Gospel style; Guitars, Mandolin, Fiddle, and Upright Bass. 

Blessings to you!

Shiloh Worship Music

www.shilohworshipmusic.com

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing was written by the 18th century pastor and hymnist Robert Robinson. Robert Robinson penned the words at age 22 in the year 1757. The words of the hymn are in the public domain. Music is a traditional American Melody, John Wyeth (1813)

  D                    A                        G         A             D

Come, Thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace

                   D                   A                      G       A             D

Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise

                 D                                                D      A              D

Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above

                 D                        A                       G         A           D

Praise His name, I'm fixed upon it, Name of God's redeeming love

          D                     A                             G            A            D

Hitherto Thy love has blest me, Thou has brought me to this place

          D                           A                     G          A              D

And I know Thy hand will bring me safely home by Thy good grace

          D                                                        D          A             D

Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God

           D                       A                          G         A                D

He, to rescue me from danger, bought me with His precious blood

        D                           A               G        A                D

O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be

             D                      A                       G          A             D

Let Thy goodness, like a fetter bind my wandering heart to Thee

              D                                              D           A        D

Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love

                D                          A                   G        A           D

Here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above!

E

                    E                    B                        A         B             E

Come, Thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace

                   E                   B                      A       B             E

Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise

                 E                                                E      B              E

Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above

                 E                        B                       A         B           E

Praise His name, I'm fixed upon it, Name of God's redeeming love

Words by Robert Robinson (1758) an Music is a traditional American Melody, John Wyeth (1813)

© 2012 Shiloh Worship Music COPY FREELY;This Music is copyrighted to prevent misuse, however,permission is granted for non-commercial copying-Radio play permitted- www.shilohworshipmusic.com

Alison Krauss made this song quite popular in the 2000 Coen brothers' film “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? where the lyrics were changed to “as I went down to the River to pray.” This was done, presumably, to adjust to the fact the scene was filmed next to a river, not a valley. 

This old Black spiritual was first collected in 1867 in a book entitled Slave Songs of the United States. Although the lyrics were apparently from slave sources the title may have been borrowed from “The Good Old Way,” which was written and published in 1835 by the famed composer William Walker. (Source of information for the song is from The Bluegrass Gospel Songbook by Wayne Erbsen)

Our version of this song has two guitars and a fiddle, as well as vocals. 

Our version of this song retains the original lyrics, (except in one verse).

Blessings,

Shiloh Worship Music

"Down To The River To Pray"

originally called “"Down To The Valley To Pray"

or “The Good Old Way”

As I went down in the Valley 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  Valley to pray

As I went down in the Valley to pray

Studying about that good ol' way

And who shall wear the robe & 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  Valley 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 Valley 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

Studding 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  Valley to pray

As I went down in the  Valley to pray

Studying about that good ol' way

And who shall wear the robe and crown?

Good Lord show me the way

© 2012 Shiloh Worship Music COPY FREELY;This Music is copyrighted to prevent misuse, however,permission is granted for non-commercial copying-Radio play permitted- www.shilohworshipmusic.com

Bluegrass Version of

When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder

Our Bluegrass version of the Classic Hymn

Banjo, Fiddles, Guitars, Acoustic Bass, Mandolins, Harmonica

Words and Music by James M. Black,  1892 :Public Domain

James M. Black was an active Methodist layman, 

a music teacher, and a composer and 

publisher of numerous gospel songs

When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder

1. When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time shall be no more

And the morning breaks eternal, bright and fair

When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore

And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there!

2. On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise

And the glory of His resurrection share

When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies

And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there!

3. Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun,

Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care;

Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done

And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there!

Chorus:

When the roll, is called up yonder,

When the roll, is called up yonder,

When the roll, is called up yonder

When the roll is called up yonder I'll be there!  

Lyrics: James Milton Black
Music: James Milton Black

Tune: WHEN THE ROLL IS CALLED/ROLL CALL
Meter: Irregular meter

Words and Music by James M. Black, 1892 :Public Domain

© 2012 Shiloh Worship Music COPY FREELY;This Music is copyrighted to prevent misuse, however,permission is granted for non-commercial copying-Radio play permitted- www.shilohworshipmusic.com

Our Bluegrass Version of "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus"

It is a Christian hymn originating from India.

The lyrics are based on the last words of a man in Assam, north-east India, who along with his family was converted to Christianity in the middle of the 19th century through the efforts of a Welsh missionary. Called to renounce his faith by the village chief, the convert declared, "I have decided to follow Jesus." In response to threats to his family, he continued, "Though no one joins me, still I will follow." His wife was killed, and he was executed while singing, "The cross before me, the world behind me." This display of faith is reported to have led to the conversion of the chief and others in the village.[1]

The formation of these words into a hymn is attributed to the Indian missionary Sadhu Sundar Singh.[2] The melody is also Indian, and entitled "Assam" after the region where the text originated.[3] The fierce opposition is possible as various tribes in that area were formerly renowned for head-hunting.[4]

An American hymn editor, William Jensen Reynolds, composed an arrangement which was included in the 1959 Assembly Songbook. His version became a regular feature of Billy Graham's evangelistic meetings in America and elsewhere, spreading its popularity.[5] http://en.wikipedia.org

Folk Melody from India.

Public Domain.

C

I have decided, to follow Jesus,

C7 F C

I have decided, to follow Jesus,

C

I have decided, to follow Jesus,

Am G C

No turning back, no turning back!

Though I may wonder, I still will follow...

Though none go with me, still I will follow...

The world behind me, the cross before me...

Will you decide now to follow Jesus?

YouTube Channel : http://www.youtube.com/user/ShilohWorshipGroup

©2012 Shiloh Worship Music COPY FREELY;This Music is copyrighted to prevent misuse, however,permission is granted for any and all non-commercial uses -Radio play permitted. Www.ShilohWorshipMusic.com

I Have Read the Holy Bible,

And The Words of Life Therein

He's The Hope of My Salvation

He Is the Place Where Life Begins!

Take His Hand

And He'll Take Yours

As We Gather Together

To Reach the Other Shore 

It's a Rocky Road and Narrow Sure to Be

To See His Face Eternally!

Take Your Burden To the Foot of the Cross

Forsake Your Sins And Count The Cost

It's a Rocky Road And Narrow Sure to Be

To Live Forever Eternally!

There's a Heaven to Gain

And Hell to Shun

Eternal Life through God's Own Son

It's a Rocky Road and Narrow Sure to Be

If You Live Forever Eternally!

If You Walk With Jesus

Well, He'll Walk With You

Will Take You to Heaven When This Life Is through

It's a Rocky Road and Narrow Sure to Be

If You Follow Jesus You Will See!

©2012 Shiloh Worship Music COPY FREELY;This Music is copyrighted to prevent misuse, however,permission is granted for non-commercial copying only.

Www.ShilohWorshipMusic.com

Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

Words: Louisa Stead Music: William Kirkpatrick

1. ’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
Just to know “Thus saith the Lord!”

Refrain: Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

2. O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
Just in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
(Refrain)

3. Yes ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.
(Refrain)

4. I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.
(Refrain)

Public Domain

©2000-2011 Shiloh Worship Music COPY FREELY;This Music is copyrighted to prevent misuse, however,permission is granted soley for non-commercial copying.

Take my life, and let it be

Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.

Take my hands, and let them move

At the impulse of Thy love.

At the impulse of Thy love.

Take my feet, and let them be

Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing

Always, only, for my King.

Always, only, for my King.

Take my lips, and let them be

Filled with messages from Thee.

Take my silver and my gold;

Not a mite would I withhold.

Not a mite would I withhold.

Take my love, my God, I pour

At Thy feet it's treasure store.

Take myself, and I will be

Ever, only, all for Thee

Ever, only, all for thee.

Frances R. Havergal-1874-Public Domain

©2000-2011 Shiloh Worship Music COPY FREELY;This Music is copyrighted to prevent misuse, however,permission is granted soley for non-commercial copying.

www.shilohworshipmusic.com

1. Crown him with many crowns,

the Lamb upon his throne,

Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns

all music but its own.

Awake, my soul, and sing

of him who died for thee,

and hail him as thy matchless King

through all eternity.

2. Crown him the Lord of life,

who triumphed o'er the grave,

and rose victorious in the strife

for those he came to save.

His glories now we sing,

who died, and rose on high,

who died, eternal life to bring,

and lives that death may die.

3. Crown him the Lord of peace,

whose power a scepter sways

from pole to pole, that wars may cease,

and all be prayer and praise.

His reign shall know no end,

and round his pierced feet

fair flowers of paradise extend

their fragrance ever sweet.

4. Crown him the Lord of love;

behold his hands and side,

those wounds, yet visible above,

in beauty glorified.

All hail, Redeemer, hail!

For thou hast died for me;

thy praise and glory shall not fail

throughout eternity.

COPY FREELY ©2011 Shiloh Worship Music-This Music Recording is copyrighted to prevent misuse, however,permission is granted for non-commercial copying only. Written by Matthew Bridges, 1800-1894, and Godfrey Thring, 1823-1903

George J. Elvey, 1816-1893 Public Domain