A Song to Share — Wade in the Water

Wade in the Water

Here is a song we have loved to hear that Ella Jenkins adapted and performed regularly:

Wade in the water
Wade in the water children
Wade in the water god’s gonna trouble the water
Wade in the water
Wade in the water children
God’s gonna trouble the water

Now Jordan’s water is chilly and cold
God’s gonna trouble the water
It chills the body but not the soul
God’s gonna trouble the water
Wade in the water
Wade in the water children
Wade in the water
God’s gonna trouble the water

Now Jordan’s water is deep and wide
God’s gonna trouble the water
Now meet my mother on the other side
God’s gonna trouble the water
Wade in the water
Wade in the water children
Wade in the water
God’s gonna trouble the water

If you get there before I do
God’s gonna trouble the water
Tell my friends I’m comin’ to
God’s gonna trouble the water
Wade in the water
Wade in the water children
Wade in the water
God’s gonna trouble the water
Wade in the water
Wade in the water children
Wade in the water
God’s gonna trouble the water

“Wade in the Water” is an African-American spiritual associated with the Underground Railroad, believed to have been used to instruct those escaping slavery to travel in water to avoid being tracked by dogs. Jenkins’ first recording of it was in 1960.

Other posts this month about Ella:

• A Spontaneous Visit from Ella Jenkins
• Some Personal Reflections of Ella Jenkins
• Some Personal Reflections of Ella Jenkins
• Book Recommendations — December 2024 which reviews A Life of Song: The Story of Ella Jenkins