“Wade in the Water” is a powerful song that belongs to the genre of African American spirituals. These songs were created by enslaved African Americans in the United States and often carry deep, meaningful messages. “Wade in the Water” is no exception.
The song’s lyrics talk about wading, or walking, through water. On the surface, it might seem like the song is just about going into the water, but there is much more to it. In fact, the water in the song represents both a physical and spiritual journey. The lyrics suggest that by wading in the water, one can find healing and protection.
“Wade in the Water” was also used as a secret code among enslaved people who were escaping to freedom. The song would signal to those on the run to take to the water in order to avoid being caught by dogs trained to follow their scent. The water would wash away their trail, making it harder for the dogs and slave catchers to find them. This adds another layer of meaning to the song, making it a symbol of hope and resistance.
The melody of “Wade in the Water” is haunting and soulful. It is often sung with a strong, rhythmic beat that makes the listener feel the urgency and power behind the words. The repetition of the phrase “Wade in the Water” reinforces the idea of perseverance and the importance of taking action, even in difficult circumstances.
The Spirituals – Wade in the Water Mp3 Download Lyrics
Wade in the water
We dey wade in the water
Children wade in the water
God said he’s gonna trouble the water
Wade in the water
We dey wade in the water
Children wade in the water
God’s gonna trouble the water
We are the sons and the daughters
We gotta stand up and make it loud
Just like our God told the Pharaoh
“Let my people go, go”
We are a new generation
From the ones who have come before
He’s calling us into freedom
Let my people go, go
Wade in the water
We dey wade in the water
Children wade in the water
God said he’s gonna trouble the water
Wade in the water
We dey wade in the water
Children wade in the water
God’s gonna trouble the water
We are the sons and the daughters
We gotta stand up and make it loud
Just like our God told the Pharaoh
“Let my people go, go”
We are a new generation
From the ones who have come before
He’s calling us into freedom
Let my people go, go
We no go shy, no go shame
Ibi your papa God wey ‘e make the heavens
If you know sey you no want trouble
Let my people go, go
With blood, sweat and tears
That we’ve gathered through the years
If you know sey you no want trouble
Let my people go, go
Wade in the water
We dey wade in the water
Children wade in the water
God said he’s gonna trouble the water
Wade in the water
We dey wade in the water
Children wade in the water
God’s gonna trouble the water
Oh-oh-oh, oh, oh-ooh-oh
Oh, oh, oh-ooh-oh
Oh, oh, oh-ooh-oh, oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh, oh-ooh-oh
Oh, oh, oh-ooh-oh
Oh, oh, oh-ooh-oh, oh
Oh-oh-oh
Wade in the water
We dey wade in the water
Children wade in the water
God’s said he’s gonna trouble the water
Wade in the water
We dey wade in the water
Children wade in the water
God’s gonna trouble the water
Oh-oh-oh, oh, oh-ooh-oh
Oh, oh, oh-ooh-oh
Oh, oh, oh-ooh-oh, oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh, oh-ooh-oh
Oh, oh, oh-ooh-oh
Oh, oh, oh-ooh-oh, oh