Alison Krauss - Down To The River To Pray

The song may have become more well known since being included in the movie "Oh Brother where are thou", but it dates prior to 1867 when it was published in "Slave Songs of the U.S."
(from the best description on its history I could find at www.choralnet.o... )
This upload is merely a resynchronised version of • Down To The River To P... by / thewolf914 and then trimmed of initial announcer introduction and the long audience applause.
- - - -
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old 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
Studying about that good old 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,
Come on brothers let's go down,
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the starry 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
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way
- - - -
Other versions of the song insert verses referring to "Mother" and "Father" before the "sinner" final verse,

[@TheIcecreamPeople00]

I'm not a religious person but even I can't help feeling the peace from this song, beautiful.

[@jtllgraciano9111]

I feel the same way I’m not religious but it’s pretty

[@peytonmarceaux8788]

@@jtllgraciano9111 chuck

[@robbie2857]

Its fukn nice aye... 😊❤🎶🎵🎼🏡

[@kathleenlouise783]

It's God's peace through her music 🎶

[@gotcha9983]

God is awesome. Fuck religion.

[@amk68sco]

you dont need religion to have faith,this is a great song sung brilliantly.

[@knastera]

There is a reason that Allison has more music awards than almost anyone else on the planet. There is a purity to her voice that is unmatched.

[@UrsaMajorPrime]

Too bad Karen Carpenter died :(

[@markhilken7026]

@@UrsaMajorPrime Wow ! Before I clicked on your reply I said the same thing about Karen.

[@jonathanthomas9677]

She deserves all 28 Grammys that she's won

[@TS34675]

I cannot fathom how anyone could listen to this beautiful womans voice and have a single negative thing to say - regardless of religious preference - or lack there of. Just get some nice headphones (with surround sound) and close your eyes. To say she has the vocal cords of an angel would be an understatement. Her voice is humbling and sends chills down my back every time i hear it.

[@kathleenlouise783]

Thank you God calling His People ❤

[@erkanystan]

So true

[@erkanystan]

@Alison Krauss You.. are just amazing. Awesome. It's like I'm sold out, closed for business, out of stock for anything else but the still love of your vocals. You´ve done a lot and perform just amazing. If i could have just one wish it wld be for you to read or interpret Emely Dickinson. I think your voice could give life to the heritage of one of the US absolute genius. But well, I'm just glad you sing :)

[@kathleenlouise783]

So very true ANNOINTED

[@RRP314]

@Alison Krauss Any chance you'll ever play in Peoria? After all it wasn't too far from your home town! YOU are SO TALENTED!!!

[@lauriebaker9626]

I sang this to my granddaughter every night for a couple of years to get her to sleep. This is a beautiful song

[@sky.the.infinite]

Bless your heart ♥️

[@justtrollinalong977]

I'm not faithful...im a sinner through and through... And this song floors me to tears every time i hear it.

[@corrinnacorrinna5572]

Years ago, we used to truly go down to the river to pray & baptize when I was a child. We would sing as we went down to the river....

[@mamathugthefuzzda3cs215]

I sang this, acapella, at my Uncle's funeral a couple of weeks ago. So humbling, as he had requested it before passing. Hard to keep composure in a moment like that. We miss you Morris!

[@lostinkansasonasunnyday305]

I'm so sorry for your loss. One day you will be with him again!

[@ztwntyn8]

More power to you! That is awesome!

[@BMJCARPENTRY]

She's the MOST underrated singer EVER!!

[@therealbaglady]

Actually, she's not underrated, she's just class. She has won 27 Grammy Awards, the highest among female artists (3 ahead of Beyonce). Millions of flies hovering over shit doesn't make shit a gem. Gem is always a gem, and that's Alison.

[@boffo63]

@@therealbaglady Wouldn't "pressure' be what makes a gem

[@danrising79]

Robert Plant doesnt think so ;)

[@mattmarkus4868]

umm. she's very highly rated lol. And rightfully so!.

[@klwess]

Voice like an angel.

[@TheConroeShow]

Acapella, the most beautiful and purest form of singing ever. She is truly an angel!!

[@OliVil2012]

She has an AMAZING VOICE. Alison Krauss is a first class singer. The song suits her well.

[@Frownland81]

I'm an atheist, and spiritually themed songs like this one really move me, too.

[@texasjr1804]

The light is where you find it

[@machoopichoo2]

Agreed, us, as the naked apes we are, can and do, gravitate to beauty, ritual, the transpondent, and all things natural. That is the source of religion...our own need for something bigger and to give us a sense of meaning. However, we can feel joy in the beauty of life itself, without a vengeful master who watches our every move. Notice how the words of the song reference down "IN" the river, not as the title suggest, "TO." This is likely because the black people who wrote this song needed to be IN the river to avoid their slave masters finding them by Blood Hound. Not TO.

[@martinduncan2639]

@@machoopichoo2 You have too many fundamental misunderstandings about too many things for me to help you. Try to keep an open mind in your future.

[@machoopichoo2]

@@martinduncan2639 For example? Talk about a blanket statement. My point being, one doesn't need the supernatural to find beauty in the natural. Simple enough for you?

[@briank.7686]

Beauty is only from God. God is love, and loving to his children who recognize and thank Him for this life. Love includes correction of his children, sometimes very painful, which we love because it means he also protects us from anything. He IS a vengeful God, to those who reject Him after seeing Him, and hearing his word, or to those who say they love God but hate their brother. Because all are from God, so if you hate your brother, you hate what God loves and made, and you fo not love God. (1John 4:20). And he shows his children justice by showing them he takes vengeance on those who mock or abuse his children, us, those who praise him, those who believe and know his son , Jesus, was raised from the dead, therefore conquering death for anyone who loves and believes, him, and the testimony of the apostles, witnesses to that. Alison Krauss’ voice, talent, all from God. As you are as well, atheist friend. That’s how great our God is, that even those who deny Him love and recognize the beauty, the incredulity in his creations. But his creations, music, art, love, science, will never bring you everlasting joy and life. Only belief and obedience, to the one that created you, always with love, brings joy and real life, and overcomes death. On his death bed, recently, one of the world’s premier atheists prayed to God, with his partner by his side. He asked his partner not to tell anyone that he prayed to God. But his partner felt that was not right, so he made it known. The River (either “to” or “in”) - They went on the river to be “baptized,” as John the Baptist and Jesus did. They go down to the river to “pray,” to study the “good old way” - Gods way, in this song, at least. Follow the lyrics. It is not to escape bloodhounds, but of course that “could” have been meant as another layer, and it also IS definitely another layer, but I’m not so sure. I’m not even sure if that’s just one of those things that’s just in the movies, dogs losing your scent at the river. They did not run after crossing the river, they stay in the river to pray. Any dogs could see them. So I don’t think that’s intended at all here. It’s about baptism into Christ, into God.

[@twozzyful]

I love Allison Krause whether its gospel or bluegrass. Beautiful woman with a beautiful voice. What a God-given talent!

[@ogCANICA]

Lord give me the strength to go back to church 😥

[@ohitbe3616]

I'll never forget the first time I heard this, it's like being bathed in golden light.

[@frankcuster]

She has the most beautiful and pure voice I have heard in my life. And I been here more than a minute.

[@topherh5093]

Her voice brings tears to my eyes every time and I don't know why.

[@matttv824]

If there was ever an example of song as prayer it would be this. Every time she sings the world is a better place for a few minutes, what a blessing and too such a deserving human being.

[@usafvet100]

What is a Psalm after all but a fusion between a song and prayer, the expression of a soul longing to transcend mortal flesh and commune with the Divine?

[@timothyfreeman97]

What about the Divine Office?

[@tammydiesen9031]

I don't care what I am doing when this song comes on I stop and sing it with all my heart. It is truly a beautiful song.

[@richardtitzmann3217]

Me too at 64yo and my daughter looks at me.🤗🙏👍

[@bi1iruben]

2millions views, and generally polite discussions (thank you everyone) about the video and her uplifting performance (whatever people's personal views on religion generally) As of January 2015, 4.5 years after uploading, reached 2.5million views and 10K likes - thank you.As of December 2016, nearing 5.5 years over 4 million views with 16894 likes. I'm glad new viewers still encountering this clip and continuing to like this great artist.

[@JJJZANESVILLE2]

don't indict so lightly, love one another and believe in other's beliefs, they are you, they are you, we are human

[@chrisstewart9828]

Just beautiful music. Nothing else!

[@GrayderFox]

bi1iruben Beautiful music brings people together, apparently. :)

[@andymilligan5712]

too groovy for words

[@thecatsman]

+bi1iruben Thank you for downloading this - you have helped bring pleasure to many. I have listened to this song many many times, and marvel at Alison Krauss' incredible musical gift. Beauty has nothing to do with faith, and as an atheist i feel sorry for those who might let the words interfere with their appreciation of this great music.

[@ToeIn2194]

Simply gorgeous. Makes me yearn for gospel truth and a life of faith and hope.

[@CloverPickingHarp]

Amen Brotha

[@karenkoester2321]

CloverPickingHarp

[@lynnscott6360]

You can have that truth and life that you yearn for. Just confess your sins and accept Jesus as your Savior.

[@nonnidreams]

blindwillie99, If he was truly there to give glory to God, not just “convert” people to christianity, then he died a martyr. Your disrespectful attitude is sad. I thought even atheists wouldn’t mock a death? Guess you’re one of those hater trolls, spewing hate. Sad, may God forgive you, for you do not know what you do.

[@Soulscape85]

​@@nonnidreams Atheists are hypocrites. They claim to represent equality and freedom of speech, yet they find themselves present mocking Christians on their posts, no matter where they are. In fact, they won't be satisfied until Christians are silenced entirely. They'll have a long wait.

[@MelodyFelixVivian]

Allison , beautiful voice of an angel. God Bless her.❤

[@jimwarren8422]

She has one of the most mystical voices on planet Earth, let alone her musical playing musical instruments for us! When she first arrived on the musical scene of Bluegrass...I kept thinking...when is THIS MAGNIFICENT VOICE going to spread outside of the Bluegrass musical world!? Thankfully it finally happened! Unbelievable‼️

[@ScottDLR]

Stunning performance. Pure talent.

[@jgrannie13]

A God given Angel voice singing for us all...Praise God for a beautiful song and voice...

[@garytudor4655]

Jens, I was an atheist for the better part of my life. One night 20 years ago I found the love of God but not Jesus and the bible. I was no longer an atheist because at that point I loved God, On July 14 of this year in a little church on top of a mountain in Tennessee I was saved by the Grace of God and cleansed by the blood of Jesus. I am a totally different man, today. I have seen what God can do. In Proverbs 23:26 it says, "My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways."

[@ztwntyn8]

One of two songs I cry trying to sing along. The other is amazing Grace. God bless please

[@cryptolover9671]

Peace on you, i'm muslim but am deeply touched by this song. thank you

[@DamienHurts]

Peace be unto you, brother

[@fadingdandelion4792]

When we all can go to the river together we will b able to heal the pain of this world Respect and humanity☺

[@haperawehiwehi8661]

Allah Mahhab. The god of Abraham is the same god in all three books (Bible, Quran, and Torah). The words may change but the deity stays the same.

[@haperawehiwehi8661]

You tell me where the two differ. God in the bible calls for the slaying of those who do not believe, God in the Quran calls for the same thing. The Bible calls for women to be subserviant to their husbands, so does the Quran. The Bible says not to eat pork or shellfish, so does the Quran AND the Torah. The Bible says not to pierce or tattoo your skin, so does the Quran and Torah... am I missing anything here? A government based on fundamentalist islam would look the exact same as fundamentalist christianity.

[@haperawehiwehi8661]

You mean like the catholic crusaders did after Muslims invaded the "holy land" and then (the crusaders) proceeded to slay everyone that wasn't catholic?? Or more recently, when bush and obama carpet bombed muslim towns and cities?? While you present the refugees with no other option but to stay in their own land which america has lade waste upon??

[@djtss]

sometimes this song can make me cry. sometimes this song can make spontaneously kiss my kids and wife just to thank them for being here. sometimes i just play it loud and wash the dishes singing along.sometimes i just look silent out in the dark and listen doing nothing. the song as itself is such a strong melody, and alison makes it perfect. i am not into religion, i am into songs and music. this is just one of those songs that can make such a big difference.

[@chrisdevalcourt648]

Don't need religion! We need Jesus!

[@cindynewman902]

And yet you have a religious experience every time you play it. God bless.

[@leestrong5168]

One of the most beautiful pure voices on earth. When I hear Alison sing for some reason I picture angels singing in heaven and I'm not sure if their any better. Truley blessed

[@RobertSmith-zc3xm]

Agreed

[@Goodhaggis]

She is a great messenger of song. I hope she sings to us as long as she can. I belive.

[@bobseagrass8203]

Alison you are a person touched by an angel, i was 10 when i ever had someone die in my life, my family played this song all day.. tears and love for this song !!!

[@jaybobbone6842]

A song and singer for our hearts.

[@timstime1970]

Allison Makes singing look so easy..Never a distorted face or funny look,,just pure heaven being expelled from those vocal chords in a Angelic and simple way...

[@yardie4eva]

What an amazing voice

[@Cindy2Lou2]

Wait a minute... No electronic drums, no auto-tune, no musical instruments of any sort. Can this be? Just beautiful music in its raw, rarest form. Thank you for posting!

[@briank.7686]

^^^That’s NOT Alison Krauss, above, btw ^^^. That would have been cool. No channel though.

[@brennanmoran1739]

@Alison Krauss lmao what an absolutely pathetic attempt at phishing

[@hercules4130ify]

Her voice is definitely heaven sent.

[@PegyHu]

Amazing sound, wonderful smile, unforgettable.. Thanks Alison

[@tomdotson6053]

HOW can you not love her voice

[@vias3595]

Alison Kraus's angelic voice really resonates in this song; beautiful.

[@bucklilli9832]

It is beautiful! A beautiful thought, that you should pray in the river while being baptized. I am not in a river now, but I pray, "Baptize me, Lord, with the Holy Spirit, right here and now."

[@IEGOODY]

This song gives me chills every time I hear it. I'm even eating soup and got chills

[@Bfreeman189]

Yep

[@JG-vq6rd]

A generational voice. I love the simplicity of the song.

[@mrBad379]

There is nothing, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING more beautiful than a truly beautiful voice he needs no Auto-Tune are any background editing Alison Krauss has one of those voices that touches you I actually love to listen to this young lady for many years now she's the same age as I am and I would love to meet her just one time. down to the river I loved it in the movie but to hear her sing it like this even just on my phone, moves me to tears

[@sonyamariner7703]

Praise God for ever and ever we do in Jesus' name, Amen.

[@TheCalliopeSky]

So simple, so pitch perfect, so beautiful, not over-sung, but not to be underestimated the level of perfection she is able to execute.

[@MickeyCuervo36]

I'm not the most religious person in the world, but I can't deny the power of this and many other songs to bring a tear to my eye. On another note, this reminds me quite a bit of "May the Circle be Unbroken" from Bioshock Infinite. Same style I guess.

[@rantanen1]

Don't have to be religious to enjoy good music :)

[@Zimnox61136]

It's not just the music, it's the inspiration of the Holy Spirit...it's all on a different level that can't compare to other genres of music.

[@chrisstewart9828]

Also, may the circle be unbroken is an ooooold religious song. So if you dig it, then yeah, you should dig this.

[@stephanieolmedo2435]

Her voice & the choir's are just heavenly. This song just takes my breath away - simple & beautiful.

[@robertstack2144]

No other voice like her voice, unmistakable

[@robertstack2144]

@Alison Krauss that's fine with me

[@EllEss]

What a beautiful voice - what a wonderful gift!

[@judylee3125]

KLM lp nu n

[@biancamoore413]

Angelic. She’s just angelic and I love this song. I grew up listening to this song and old songs like this

[@wardwilcox165]

One of the greatest voices period unreal

[@xrxs1020]

Inspired song, beautiful singing.

[@andypaine7489]

Grandma asked this to be song at her funeral. Godspeed Bonnie Victoria Paine 1910-2010

[@cherrimullins9632]

That was lovely,my Nana in Ala.would have loved that!She hummed gospel tunes all the time!

[@cherrimullins9632]

@Alison Krauss sure,that would be great,thank you,CLM

[@kelseyholt7495]

Her voice is one of a kind! The voice of an angel!

[@Philosphyfanatic]

My grandfather loved Alison Krauss. Now that he has just passed away, I think of him whenever I listen to Mrs. Krauss sing this beautiful piece.

[@victormashatt6358]

Love this woman. She sings like an angel.

[@nascarlarry1]

what a amazing voice ....like an angel

[@camisnyder3460]

Her voice is so enchanting!! Truly a gift from God.

[@williambrydge8076]

Beautiful voice singing a meaningful song

[@user-je8sl3ox8h]

Listening from Ukraine.Praise the Lord!

[@WillBlindYouWithLight]

We sing this in high school honors chorus my sophomore year. I got the solo so I sing Allison's part. And I usually sing Alison krauss in the talent shows every year because I sound just like her. Very good memory, we won Nationals that year with this song. 😊❤

[@ciarabrodnick6777]

A girl with that wonderful voice, plus using it for God!!! God bless her!

[@nashdo3669]

my mom & i are going to sing this in church so i need to listen to it so i know all the words

[@James-gp9qe]

as someone raised a Christian struggling with faith and belief, this song gives me hope because as I listen it destroys doubt, I get goosebumps and feel emotional. Makes me think it could potentially be the Holy Spirit

[@SamJohnston91]

Music always induces emotion, don't confuse that feeling with true faith and shut down thought as a result. That's just silly.

[@chrisdevalcourt648]

Could be! Seek Him!

[@MrSnapy1]

The voice of an angel

[@krystalburton3308]

So beautiful I used to sing this song to my children when I rocked them to sleep in a time where I was in a very bad spot in my life gaining my experience no matter how bad that day was God brought me peace at heart and it wasn't so darn bad after all You sound so beautiful Alison Krause I felt his spirit listening to you sing this song without the spirit of God with me I am nothing. And was nothing but today I'm some kind of beautiful thanks to my loving father. Amen

[@Marymerry19]

Divine voice.

[@bathwhoreE]

Love this song.Miss the Good Old Days.

[@sherryhickman4121]

I felt the Lord’s arms around me during that beautiful gospel song. Alison Kraus has been my favorite singer for years. She sounds like an angel.

[@sherryhickman4121]

@Alison Krauss Today is my 62nd birthday and what a wonderful birthday gift it is to see your message. My email is [e-mail]. Phone no. 219-476-9101. Your voice alone can move mountains. I hear the Lord speaking to me when I hear your voice. God bless you.

[@txgunguy2766]

Truly, the voice of an angel. And that angel wants its voice back.

[@ShortBus1961]

Nothing but beautiful. I'm going to start each day listening to this.

[@justhunt4691]

Just reminds me of church when I was young. The revivals with the old hymns seem to tug at my heart strings and take me back to simpler times

[@johnniejenkins9557]

This lady’s voice is unbelievably, and has been for years. An American treasure. I dare you to google her music library over the years ! Alison, I wish you many more years of personal happiness and more songs/singing for all of us out here !

[@AuRaTaq]

Gives me shivers and goosebumps... My favorite song for the vocals... Nothing tops it in my charts...

[@Moonchalice]

What I love about this is that Alison believes it. That's why it touches hearts.

[@PutGodFirst2112]

her voice comes from heaven.

[@terryleach8111]

The voice of an Angel {messenger} sent by The Most Highest. The one true God. Glory to my Abba Father.

[@SalGL]

Always trust our Father.

[@amiaclairsentient6926]

and mother divine too

[@heatherquinn8684]

Sally Gentry praise Jehovah!

[@silverlemniscate]

Amen, looks like we need to get down to the river and pray ^^^

[@belindaryckman8887]

Love her voice

[@kathrynhall7021]

The voice of an Angel 🙏

[@toniyvonneprince6007]

You my sister give me faith in the power of music in faith in worshipping God

[@cecoleman7]

I STILL get goose bumps head to toe when I hear this.

[@annodomini7887]

GOD truly did bless this woman! She has the looks and the voice...

[@MrJabbo1]

With a voice as beautiful as this it is hard to imagine how beautiful the singing in heaven will be. She absolutely has the most beautiful voice I've ever heard. God is good.

[@cathyhoard7404]

....Allison is truly an angel on earth!!!!

[@j.d.miller.author]

Alison Krauss does an excellent job with this song. Very moving.

[@j.d.miller.author]

@Alison Krauss, thank you for the reply. I do love your music and am an avid fan.

[@johnpirie3800]

What a beautiful unique voice! Damn fine singer!

[@diannerogan6075]

She has the voice of an Angel ❤

[@pattioororke]

I am more of a nature worshiper, but no one alive can possily know what is on the other side. Her music is exquisite, the best I've ever heard, and I listen to a lot of music. Hearing her is a real gift for which I m very grateful.

[@ekaledua1458]

2019 Listening all the way from fiji

[@tammyileene4060]

Welcome to America!

[@greeneyeslinz]

Her voice is as sweet as honey. I seen her live a few years ago and she sounds just as good live (if not better)

[@sgrannie9938]

She has such a beautiful pure voice. Perfect for this song ❤️

[@northerntraveller3180]

Beautiful Lady with a beautiful song, May God Bless.

[@dennisarnold5210]

Love this song

[@cblair0608]

How do people like her make it look so easy.......UNBELIEVABLE!!!! Love her.

[@missinglinq]

The voice of an angel.

[@toniprince1399]

This took me back to listing to what God was trying to tell me .... Thank you Jesus Amen