Go Down Moses

This article discusses the song "Go Down Moses"; for the book by William Faulkner, see Go Down, Moses

"Go Down Moses" is an African-American spiritual, that is a retelling of events in the Old Testament of the Bible (Exodus, chapters 3-12), in which God commands Moses to demand the release of the Israelites from bondage in Egypt.

"Israel" represents the African-American slaves while "Egypt" and "Pharoah" represent the slavemaster.

The song was made famous by Paul Robeson whose voice, deep and resonant as it was, was said by some to have attained the status of the voice of God.

William Faulkner titled his book, Go Down, Moses, after the song.

[edit] Usual lyrics

When Israel was in Egypt's land

Let my people go

Oppressed so hard they could not stand

Let my people go

Go down, Moses, way down in Egypt's land

Tell old Pharaoh, Let my people go

So Moses went to Egypt's land

Let my people go

To make old Pharaoh understand

Let my people go

Thus spake the Lord, bold Moses said,

Let my people go,

If not, I'll strike your first born dead

Let my people go