Michael Row the Boat Ashore Lyrics
Composer / Yazar: Traditional (African American spiritual)
Year / Yıl: c. 1865
Origin / Köken: United States
Public Domain
An African American spiritual first documented in 1865 by a Union soldier who heard it sung by freed slaves in the Sea Islands of South Carolina. It became widely popular during the American folk revival of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Best for ages 4–10. The simple call-and-response structure and slow tempo make it accessible to even young singers, while the historical context offers an age-appropriate entry point to talking about freedom, hope, and music as a form of resistance. Treat it with the dignity its origin deserves. For more songs and stories from world traditions, see [best folktales from around the world](/blog/best-folktales-cultural-stories).
Full Lyrics
Michael, row the boat ashore, hallelujah! Michael, row the boat ashore, hallelujah! Sister, help to trim the sails, hallelujah! Sister, help to trim the sails, hallelujah! The river is deep and the river is wide, hallelujah! Milk and honey on the other side, hallelujah! Michael, row the boat ashore, hallelujah! Michael, row the boat ashore, hallelujah!
#spiritual#folk#american#classic
Watch the music video!
Sing along with the animated video on KidSongsTV.