Michael Row the Boat Ashore Printable Lyrics – PDF

“Michael Row the Boat Ashore” is an old African American spiritual from the 19th century. It was first noted during the American Civil War at St. Helena Island of South Carolina, sung by former slaves whose owners had abandoned the island before the Union navy arrived to enforce a blockade. The song was first published in 1867 in Slave Songs of the United States by Allen, Ware, and Lucy McKim Garrison. It is listed in Roud Folk Song Index as no. 11975.

As is the case with public domain culture, the song was passed down orally long before it was ever recorded or written down. Hence there are many versions to be found up to this day. It has also been covered by many artists, like Pete Seeger, Bob Gibson, Lonnie Donegan, Harry Belafonte, Peter, Paul and Mary and others. One of the best-known recordings is the one released in 1960 under the simpler title of “Michael” by the U.S. folk band The Highwaymen.

“Michael Row the Boat Ashore” has been translated in French and sung by the Israeli-French singer Rika Zaraï in 1964. There are two German versions as well, the one titled “Michael, bring dein Boot an Land” and the other “Hört, wen Jesus glücklich preist”. On this page you can find lyrics, a printable lyrics PDF file for free download and two sing-along videos of the song. Listen, sing along and enjoy the beautiful song!

 

Printable Lyrics PDF

Click on the button to download a PDF file with lyrics to this song for free.

Lyrics PDF download

 

Lyrics

Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah

The river is deep and the river is wide, hallelujah
Green pastures on the other side, hallelujah

Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah

Jordan’s river is chilly and cold, hallelujah
Chills the body but not the soul, hallelujah

Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah

The river is deep and the river is wide, hallelujah
Milk and honey on the other side, hallelujah

Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sail, hallelujah

 

Sing-Along Video 

 

Sing-Along Video with Lyrics

 

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