As I went down to the river to pray
Studyin’ about that good ol' 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 in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studyin’ about that good ol’ 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 in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studyin’ about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the starry crown?
Good Lord, show me the way

O mothers, let’s go down
Let's go down, don't you wanna go down?
Come on mothers, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray

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

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

As I went down in the river to pray
Studin’ about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the robe and crown?
Good Lord, show me the way