“Rock-a My Soul”

Description

"Rock-a my soul in the bosom of Abraham (x3), Oh, rock-a my soul," "When I went down to the valley to pray... My soul got happy and I stayed all day." "When I was a mourner just like you... I mourned and mourned till I come through."

Notes

The reference to Abraham's bosom alludes to the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). In 16:22, Lazarus dies and is carries to Abraham's bosom. Although the phrase does not occur elsewhere, it came to have the sense of "heaven." - RBW

Recordings

  • Golden Gate Jubilee Quartet, "Rock My Soul" (Bluebird B-7804/Montgomery Ward M-7596, 1938; RCA Victor 20-2921, 1948; on Babylon)
  • Taylor sisters, "Rock-a My Soul" (on HandMeDown2)

References

  1. BrownIII 573, "Good Lordy, Rocky My Soul" (1 text)
  2. Silber-FSWB, p. 357, "Rock-a My Soul" (1 text)
  3. Roud #11892
  4. BI, FSWB357B

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1867 (Allen et al, Slave Songs of the United States)
Keywords: religious nonballad
Found in: US(SE)