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The Worlds of Gilbert and Sullivan

Here is a wonderful example of an early Negro Spiritual - Swing Low, Sweet Chariot - as popular with singers today as it was when first 'invented'. It has recently been adopted by Rugby Union clubs, and reached a new height of fame during the Rugby World Cup in Australia in November 2003 when England achieved a famous victory in the final against Australia to win the cup. 

From several versions of the song, we have chosen Burleigh's arrangement¹ for solo voice and piano as the basis for our arrangement. It is a splendid piece of music isn't it? Please feel free to join the American plantation workers in their heartfelt song . . .

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
(2 bar intro)

Swing Low, sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.
Swing Low, sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.
Swing Low, sweet chariot,
Swing Low, sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.
Coming for to carry me home.

I looked over Jordan, what did I see,
Coming for to carry me home?
A band of angels coming after me,
Coming for to carry me home.

Swing Low, sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.
Swing Low, sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.

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