The "Michael" Spiritual

 “Rushing water is loud; ocean waves are powerful, but the Lord is much greater.” ~ Psalm 93:4

Among the most memorable songs in American folk music is "Michael Row the Boat Ashore," a traditional African-American spiritual. It’s sung around campfires and in churches all across the country because it is easy to learn and the melody is soft and sweet.

Spirituals like this originated during the slave era and were sung to help pass the long, hot work days. No one person was often credited with writing the words or the music because both came spontaneously and were passed down through generations. Because of this, there are many versions in circulation.

Charles Ware, a Harvard-educated abolitionist who came to supervise plantations on St. Helena Island in 1862, wrote down the lyrics of the song as he heard freedmen sing it. The song was sung by former slaves whose owners had abandoned the island before the Union Navy would arrive to enforce a blockade.

While we do have references to pinpoint the song’s publishing date (though undoubtedly much older), its precise remains unclear.

It’s believed to have been inspired by the slaves trying to escape violent weather that battered the Islands off Georgia. Many died as a result because the only way off was by small row boat. The tempo was deliberately slow to keep pace with the oars when the load was heavy or they were rowing against the tide (two measures to each stroke).

The death they likely faced probably refers to the River Jordan, where Jesus was baptized and can be viewed as a metaphor for deliverance and salvation, but also as the boundary of the Promised Land and the transition to Heaven.  "Michael" in the song is probably the Archangel Michael. In the Roman Catholic interpretation, Michael helps ferry the souls of the dead to heaven.

But the Jordan River, over which the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land, symbolized not only postmortem salvation. For those who first sang “Michael, Row the Boat Ashore,” it also signified liberation from slavery and, perhaps, the slaveholding South.

Nearly a hundred years later, The Highwaymen had an international hit with their version. It was continually cast into the limelight during the 60s and recorded by many folk artists including Pete Seeger and Peter Paul & Mary.

In modern times, the song is about the idea of escaping from an inescapable and difficult situation, such as the world of sin, and seeking help, comfort, and a better life. The other verses act as reassurances that although the world can seem to be chaotic and overwhelming, God’s great power is greater than natural, medical, financial, or political power. His authority is even greater than death.

Lord, “You are great and most worthy of praise; greatness no one can fathom. Each generation commends Your works to another; they tell of Your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of Your majesty. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.” (Psalm 145:3-7)