As I went down to the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way!

O sisters let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
O sisters let's go down
Down to the river to pray

O sisters let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
O sisters let's go down
Down to the river to pray

As I went down to the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way!

O brothers let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
O brothers let's go down
Down to the river to pray

As I went down to the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way!

O fathers let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
O fathers let's go down
Down to the river to pray

O mothers let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
O mothers let's go down
Down to the river to pray

O sinners let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
O sinners let's go down
Down to the river to pray