Swing Down Sweet Chariot

The Jordanaires

About Swing Down Sweet Chariot

"Swing Down Sweet Chariot" is a traditional spiritual song, a humorous variation of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot". Popularised by the Golden Gate Quartet in the 1940s, it was recorded by Elvis Presley for his 1960 album His Hand in Mine, and was re-recorded for his 1969 film The Trouble with Girls. The 1960 version featured backing vocals by The Jordanaires, and the re-recording featured the Mello Men on backing vocals. The version of the song from The Trouble with Girls was reissued in the 2010 boxed set The Complete Elvis Presley Masters, but this time, it features an all-female group singing background vocals. The funk band, Rufus, did a version on their 1974 recording, Rags to Rufus, on ABC records. The six band members: Murphy, Fischer, Khan, Stockert, Belfield, Ciner, are credited with composition. The song's chorus is quoted in the funk song "Mothership Connection (Star Child)", released in 1975 by Parliament. That portion of "Mothership Connection" is, in turn, sampled by Dr. Dre in his Grammy Award-winning rap song, "Let Me Ride". 


Year:
1969
2:28
5,921 
#17

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Oh oh oh swing down, swing swing
Swing down, swing swing
Swing down, swing swing
Swing down, swing swing

Why don't you swing down sweet chariot
Stop and let me ride
Swing down chariot
Stop and let me ride
Rock me lord, rock me lord
Calm and easy
I've got a home on the other side

Why don't you swing down sweet chariot
Stop and let me ride
Swing down chariot
Stop and let me ride
Rock me lord, rock me lord
Calm and easy
I've got a home on the other side

Well Ezekiel went down in the middle of a field
Thought he heard the rumblin' of the chariot wheel
Not so particular 'bout the chariot wheel
Just wanted to see how a chariot feel

Why don't you swing down sweet chariot
Stop and let me ride
Swing down chariot
Stop and let me ride
Rock me lord, rock me lord
Calm and easy
Well I've got a home on the other side

Well now I got a mother in the promised land
Never 'spect to stop until I shake her hand
Rock me lord, rock me lord
Calm and easy
I've got a home on the other side

Well Ezekiel got a ticket, he got on board
Chariot went a bumpin' on down the road
Not so particular 'bout the bumpin' of the road
Just wanted to lay down his heavy load

Why don't you swing down sweet chariot
Stop and let me ride
Swing down chariot
Stop and let me ride
Rock me lord, rock me lord
Calm and easy
I've got a home on the other side

Why don't you swing down sweet chariot
Stop and let me ride
Swing down chariot
Stop and let me ride
Rock me lord, rock me lord
Calm and easy
I've got a home on the other side

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The Jordanaires

The Jordanaires are an American vocal quartet, which formed as a gospel group in 1948. They are best known for providing vocal background for Elvis Presley, in live appearances and recordings from 1956 to 1972. The group has also worked in the recording studio, on stage, and on television with many other country and rock and roll artists. more »

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Written by: MARTY MATTHEWS

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"Swing Down Sweet Chiarot" by Elvis Presley and The Jordanaires is a gospel song. It is based on an African American spiritual song.
Album Variation
The song was featured on the album “His Hand in Mine by Elvis Presley” which was released in 1960. It was the first of three gospel music albums that Elvis would release.
Collaboration
Along with Elvis Presley, the song also features the vocal harmonizing group, The Jordanaires. This group worked with Elvis on many songs, contributing to the distinctive sound and successful career of the King of Rock and Roll.
Song Inspiration
“Swing Down Sweet Chariot” carries strong religious undertones, reflecting Presley’s own deep religious beliefs and his upbringing in the Pentecostal church.
Song Origin
The original song “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” which inspired this Presley rendition is an American Negro spiritual. Its origin dates back to before the American Civil War.
American Culture
Despite its spiritual origins, Presley’s version of “Swing Down Sweet Chariot” played an important role in popularizing gospel music within mainstream American culture.
Live Performances
"Swing Down Sweet Chariot" was one of the songs performed by Presley during his famous ’68 Comeback Special.
Film Appearance
The song made an appearance in the 1969 film "The Trouble with Girls," starring Elvis Presley.
Recording Site
The song was recorded at the RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee.
Song Duration
"Swing Down Sweet Chariot" has a running time of 2 minutes and 33 seconds.
Other Versions
Given its cultural significance and popularity, the song has been covered by numerous artists, but Presley’s version stands out due to his unique vocal style and musical arrangements.

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