Deep River is a spiritual of Afro-American origin. It was used in the 1929 film version of “Showboat”.
Deep River is a spiritual of Afro-American origin.
It was used in the 1929 film version of “Showboat” although it was not used in the original show. The melody is also sung in the closing section of Michael Tippett’s oratorio “A Child of our Time” and was also adapted into the popular song “Dear Old Southland”.
Lyrics:
Deep River, my home is over Jordan.
Deep River, Lord, I want to cross over into campground.
Deep River, my home is over Jordan,
Deep River, Lord,
I want to cross over into campground.
Oh, don't you want to go, to that gospel feast.
That promised land, where all is peace.
Oh, Deep River, Lord, I want to cross over into campground.