"Hold On" (Negro Spiritual)

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[@Sha1Lmarie]

We need to hear more Negro spirituals. The history is being lost - drifting away.

[@artfoodandcultureintheusa4422]

Who is still watching in 2020? 😍😍💛

[@ethanovich9726]

ME!!

[@vincentberard2368]

Me

[@priscilasalles2020]

Me too!

[@marywilliams9858]

Me from the frozen North

[@theoherghelegiu8337]

And me!

[@ThomasMcDonoughJr-sg2rs]

Oh what a heavy song! 😢This is enough to make a grown man cry! God bless you!

[@deandwyer1093]

Wow, wow, wow. I am a white man from Australia and could never understand the pain behind those songs. But I am a Baptist pastor and I just love the way you performed that song.

[@tomblackshearguitarmaker1585]

I just turned 78 last year and thought the Lord was finished with me on this earth but for some reason I had been getting signals to the contrary. Last night I was in a dream; not just any dream but a dream that spoke to me all night long. It was a song that kept coming to me, a song of reassurance that I should hold on, just keep holding on. Now, for me, I understand that to hold on to the plow means to hold on to the one who plows the furrow straight.....that's the Lord, and this dream was definitely a message from the Lord to keep holding on to Him. I woke up this morning and went to my computer and typed in "Hold On" I had to do a little searching but found you guys with this beautiful song of reassurance. What a blessing and definite communication from God that He is not finished with me. I have potentially 6 months of light Chemo treatment left but I fear it not because I know for a surety that my Father spoke through you three servants, Blessed be His Holy Name.

[@martinfleming759]

Tom Blackshear, Guitar Maker dear Tom, I hope this finds you still holding on....Martin

[@tomblackshearguitarmaker1585]

Tom Blackshear, It may sound incredible but I'm doing fine, and the doctor is a little baffled as to what has happened, so I'll know what he thinks, this week, if I need more chemo, or just let it go and let me heal the rest of the way. Regaining stamina is the big one. Praise God.

[@martinfleming759]

So happy to hear! Yes, praise God from whom all blessings flow!

[@tomblackshearguitarmaker1585]

@@martinfleming759...........Learning how to Praise God, even in the middle of adversity, is definitely a learning process, and today I can say that I'm not qualified to teach this, as everything is fine here.

[@tomblackshearguitarmaker1585]

I went to the Doctor a few days ago 3-10-20, and they told me there were no more live cells to warrant more Chemo at this time, Praise God!!

[@fanksterfankhauser7049]

We sang this song in Mississippi's Parchman Penitentiary when imprisoned as Freedom Riders in the Spring and Summer of 1961. Singing gave us the strength to endure and remember the value of our sacrifice.

[@undercoverblk]

Thank you for your sacrifice and commitment to Freedom. We are ever in your debt! AND hold your example as an inspiration and model for resisting today!

[@mitchellmam]

Fankster Fankhauser ..thank you

[@i.bendigas6856]

This is so wonderful! The comes straight from the heart. In my thoughts, I sing along.

[@Kayriel]

Thank you for your sacrifice. I'm a man of mixed white and black heritage in Georgia.

[@annmariamattila4439]

I wasn't familiar with this song until a few minutes ago. I'm going to be directing a play, An Appeal to the Woman of the House, which deals with a group of Freedom Riders. I looked up the song because it plays an important role in the script. The first thing I saw was your comment. Thank you for your sacrifice, and for sharing your experience.

[@kreynolds6632]

This song probably dates from the slave era, and has coded instructions on how to travel north . "Keep your hand on that plow" probably refers to the big dipper constellation, called 'the plow' by the English. The north star is at the end of the 'handle' of the plow. These three men truly do justice to a classic. Thank you.

[@Cloudpool72]

:o

[@firewoodtime2]

It really touched me today. Never heard it before.... I'm an evangelist, so it speaks to me differently then maybe the orginal intent.

[@sparklybabe2033]

I just said this There are hidden meaning in all these things Not just face value

[@angelapowell9030]

yes, I think you are right.

[@NeilHocking]

Wow. That makes sense. What a performance and song.

[@jeanheard4615]

These young people don’t know what we went through I am 83 this song brought back so many memories being beaten and whipped cause you could not move and the dog had your hand in his mouth the policeman kept hitting you saying get up everytime you move the dog would bite that much more harder oh lord thank you father

[@GUCLORE]

Fr? I’m sorry that happened to you

[@jeanheard4615]

@@GUCLORE thank they treated their dogs better we had to go to the window and we would point out what we wanted then we had to go to the back door and pay for it sometimes you got change back sometimes you didn’t we were not allowed in restaurant to eat and we had jobs raising the white man children cleaning their house for 2 and 25 cent a hour we had our own places to go and the white peoples had their places sometimes they’d say this is my side of the street go across over there we live so bad but god brought us through

[@loudvoice2761]

Omg!!!! Yall making OUR ancestors PROUD!!! MERCY!! HOLD ON MY PEOPLE!! ✊✊👊👊🙏🙏🙏

[@tiffaninash2075]

During my uncles illness he played this song and found strength. As he was preparing for his place in heaven, we played this song. He was so at peace

[@focused4841]

Hope youre doing good and RIP to your/our uncle.

[@jefflivingston538]

My soul looks back and knows how we got over...

[@vp2109]

God loves black people

[@robinayers8107]

We didn't get over, Chattle Slavery is over. But we are still enslaved, until Christ comes back for The 12 TRIBES OF ISRAEL.

[@DJPRETTYROX]

Robin Ayers what 12 tribes? Are americans going to be saved? I believe !

[@kathrynnard9492]

When I hear this even as a white person it's encouragement for all people because it's a message for ALL who struggle. Hold on. Even a free man can be in bondage because until you receive forgiveness from God you will never understand how to truly forgive and that unforgiving spirit will always keep you In bondage. I love this song and the message behind it.

[@rudivema]

We should not stop singing until the fight is over. Let's reach the highest notes ever!!🙌🏽

[@Dej25oy]

Please teach our children about african-American spirituals. Very important to understand, know and remember our history and culture! ❤

[@prayernotesbycynthia]

I’m holding on. I’m just so broken. Asking God for strength. I have orders and need to work, but I am just hurt. #georgefloyd #breonnataylor #tamirrice #michaelbrown #trayvonmartin #prayernotesonetsy

[@renemasonchapman3598]

Prayer Notes on Etsy Yes. Broken we are. But hold on.

[@firewoodtime2]

They killed my brother too. Thought he was a different man.... destroyed my life so greatly, it caused me to get saved. Sorry for your emotional hurts too.

[@sancraft1]

Keep on keeping on family. I am broken too, but together, with the strength that only God can give, we are gonna make it. I love you.

[@thedivinecouncil9997]

Change is in the making. Just hold on🙏😔

[@sifox_bgm2893]

I am French and my music teacher made us listen to this music because we are working on the negro spiritual and I find this music really magnificent

[@princepeace5892]

My heart is soo touched..pain..perseverance..hope..accomplishment. much love guys!

[@deenlife6151]

After being stripped from the African roots..their language..their culture..their spirituality..they had no other choice but to sing abt a Jesus as they toiled day and night wishing to one day be free..I love my ancestors..they paved the way for me

[@celestelaburda1671]

@@parislundon5799 The message of hope and love belongs to both no one and everyone. No matter what god or messiah's name is attached.

[@markbroges]

And serving this Jesus Christ was the best thing that could have ever happened to the black race! We knew about Jesus before we came to america as slaves (Acts8:34) and we left Him and went back into the worship of our dead ancestors and the Worship of ourselves. Which had we stayed there under those conditions we would could have suffered eternal condemnation

[@joelsweeting7886]

WeThaGods fmthrththu

[@jasminepearls1047]

@@markbroges No it wasnt. I appreciate the songs and our singing style but it crippled us.

[@markbroges]

Sarissa Vaughn The truth is that we crippled ourselves! Those are the facts You put us back in a country and leave us all to ourselves with no other race at all and we will have, rape, robbery, murder, and our own slaves of each other!! We would also be worshipping and praying out to our dead ancestors for help! Which is all an abomination to God which is where we were before coming to america and getting stripped of our idolatry!!

[@bridgettelowerre5586]

Teaching about Frederick Douglass in the 7th grade... listening to this and crying. :(

[@Stella1112]

This song brought tears in my eyes! 😢

[@marieb1885]

At first I was curious why I was called to listen to hymns this morning but I see that my ancestors wanted to remind me that they fought for me to be where I am. Despite freedom not being truly attained… yet I am encouraged by my ancestors strength to keep going & keep growing.

[@CradleEpiscopalian56]

Every ancestor just gave a nod. This was beautifully done. Amen to your talents! 🙏

[@369marnie]

💓

[@loudvoice2761]

I'd like to hear them after years of making thos video!! Amazing talent

[@shenabrown9436]

Love it love the sound guys your bless👏

[@tylervelocity]

✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽

[@RaMahUganda]

I'm sorry....but I 'memba mo standing lik dis'yah.... blam it on my Geechee upbringin' ... deh waads dem wus inni Nu Tesement Bible aaint Eben dis pwopuh...

[@swmuzik]

All one can say is Amen.

[@CheckDEMout]

What's up! Thanks for watching! Eric [the one on your right, solid gray scarf] is the "in-house vocal coach" for us. Check out his personal youtube page - he's a phenomenal coach! He's trained me [in the middle, solid red scarf] since 2006, and has worked with Dierre [on your left, multi-colored scarf] within the past year. We haven't been singing together for that long...officially, it's been in the past few months. Unofficially, in the past year. Individually, it varies!

[@scnaware]

These fellows remind me of the young folks I was privileged to work among in southwest Mississippi in the 1980s. Their talent and dedication were awesome as are yours !!! Thank you, Sister Margaret, SCN

[@saprano1ke]

Why am I just now seeing this? Wow you guys are amazing! Wow

[@herobrine9866]

I remember performing this song in my 5th grade choir. It gave me goosebumps.

[@naaannii1988]

We need the education system to be like this.

[@Bigboi54]

These brothers are talented.

[@NewHavenPrideCenter]

This is a stunning arrangement and these three men knocked it out of the ball park

[@kevseb66]

Absolutely beautiful. I couldn't get through the first 2 minutes without crying. These spirituals seem to capture and evoke the pain and suffering of our ancestors. They always make me cry.

[@benjaminbeier4221]

TRUE!!!!!

[@heatherbenjamin1644]

So powerful, guys! Thank you...memories of the pain, yet reminders of the reward. Thank you to those who soldier on and remind us to do so...O Love that will not let us go!❤ I also love the Cadet Sisters' version. Check it out.

[@sakurakiss9903]

Im not a religouse person but this song makes me feel the great sadness and the freedom that my ancstors wanted it makes me feel greatful that im free im free im feeling strong im holding on

[@lokilaevatein9884]

I have no words to describe this. I don't think I've ever heard such an amazing version of this song before. Like as soon as the first guy opened his mouth I was blown away. Well done, very well done.

[@LOUDsigh]

Loki Laevatein true, but why r they wearing scarfs?

[@chakayisrael5767]

Loki Laevatein hold on

[@shanachambers1206]

Howard University gospel choir tore this song UP!!!

[@Whey2lovely]

they all killed it but the second guy wow!! To God Be The Glory!!

[@sister-jayy-of-judah2253]

When I was in a white elementary school, I was in choir, they had us singing this song. I didn't quite understand to the fullest but when I got older and kept singing this song to myself. I felt discussed singing this with white children and to white people having learned this from a white teacher.

[@marcostheo17]

Brothers sorry my English, Im Brazilian but I loved the performers. Its wolderful the way with you treated this songs. Congratulations. Im turned admirer this group. Theo

[@SeanGlazier]

I love Jesus! I thank Him everyday. He's my best friend!

[@djkhaledtouchedmefunny]

Seek help.

[@kimberlybell4718]

nerd

[@seon3403]

@@kimberlybell4718 its not nerdy to know who your people are. while Christianity is a lie, you better believe the people who fabricated it are NOT smart enough to know the laws of the universe, which is what the words attributed to Jesus actually are. "Jesus" knows, Horus knows, Shiva knows, the only one who doesn't know is YOU. nerd.

[@DracoGangLive]

@@seon3403 Please do not call Christianity a lie so casually. I understand your an atheist but for the sake of being a good person. Just please.....

[@seon3403]

FearlessDragon 2004 im not an atheist

[@iriswilhelms3376]

Just reading Roots by Alex Hailey. Weeping over what was done to African Americans. Heartbreaking. ... But you have survived. These singers and their beautiful song as witnesses of your struggle and survival.

[@CheckDEMout]

Hello Everyone! We THANK all of you for the wonderful comments! It's not taken for granted but sincerely appreciated! Thanks for sharing our work with your friends and families :-) [Michael]

[@thedivinecouncil9997]

Much love and respect🙏😔

[@DanieltheTruebadour]

What is the name of this group? Wonderful rendition!

[@romanroman1975]

Beautiful piece!

[@terraknohs8199]

Bravo my brothers. Amen. Beautiful!!

[@alxiroi]

This song needs more scarf :) Beautiful voices guys. Thumbs up

[@v.2080]

ha*ha!

[@juliemarr65]

It would be great to hear y'all sing more spirituals.

[@symphonymagic]

Such beautiful voices. Thank you for uplifting us with your mesmerizing voices. With love from a sister in London, England.

[@stilllearning516]

I pray that you fellas are still holding on to the Lord, and using this incredible gift that He has given you for His glory! Awesome singing! God bless and keep you!

[@JD-ut7rt]

Who’s watching in 2023!!

[@believer7733]

I’m watching in 2024!

[@RandomStuffPenguin]

I’m watching in 2025!

[@johnjerez8005]

hold on...just hold on...amen!!!!!

[@miriamrina4992]

You boys are awesome! Hope you are still singing. You are the best never give up. keep on keepin on! Shalom Achim

[@BoWannaGoldstein]

I happen to be Anglo-American....but my soul knows this is the music that it will "ride to heaven on"...of yes!

[@Propheticeve]

you mean white

[@BoWannaGoldstein]

bryanah robinson no...I was incorrect in my self description , actually , I a Confederate Flag waving descendent of Northern European immigrants....thanks for helping me see my error . Lmao

[@robertlloyd0814]

Awesome Awesome Awesome!!!! I listen to this everyday!!!

[@MissCraig]

They all have wonderful voices but the guy in the grey shirt I like his the best.

[@hectorfigueroaalcorta3700]

Bellisimo! La interpretacion y los tres!

[@famousmwofficial8046]

I've been watching Eric's videos for the past 3 years and improved my singing tremendously

[@sixpoems]

2022 loving and feeling this… hold on y’all. Grace and energetic uplifting is coming

[@ameliadpz2418]

I love their emotions, and especially when the one on the left sings, it’s like it fills a void in me but not in an overwhelming way like it usually does.

[@maggieweatherspoon8245]

Theses young men have THE most beauiful voice they sing like SING LIKE ANGELS BEATIFUL. DO ANY ONE NO IF THEY HAVE ANY MORE SONGS OUT THEIR? I HOPE

[@pamelarossetti568]

I needed this song...am struggling with anxiety....thank you

[@TanyaEJ]

God bless you, Pamela! In quietness and trust is His Strength!

[@lovellejefferson8838]

Pamela Rossetti keep holding on life will get better

[@rickcopy]

Keep it up Pamela. You are not alone. Jesus Christ bless you girl!

[@gabrielladennis9901]

Wow, this is my first time hearing this song. Tears flowing

[@tboadventures9238]

What is this vocal range?!?! Outstanding 🙌

[@saionaras.7059]

Que Deus continue usando poderosamente cada um de vocês!!! Forte abraço do Brasil!!!

[@robintait5174]

This rendition always touches my heart. So I usually wind up playing it three to four times straight. Glad tears to my heart. Thanks my brothers.

[@hannahtanski3911]

their harmonies are so beautiful

[@arthursanyaMuiruri254]

We sang this song in High school, mixed choir some 20 years back. Beautiful Beautiful Inspirational song

[@vougnh9]

SING ISRAEL SING ON AND HOLD ON WONDERFUL.

[@robincorprew9007]

yes

[@mylifeinyehowahyasha7795]

Keep holding on Israel until the Most High YAH comes back and redeems HIS PEOPLE!!Hallelu...YAH!

[@npk200Cola]

Vaughn Powlette House of Israel, we don't have long. Hold on.

[@WrestleManiaMan1000]

Shalam Yashar'ahla

[@susanirwin6237]

I first heard this spiritual a few months ago when I watched the recent movie Harriett about Harriett Tubman. You guys sing it great! You sing it with soul. I love it! I shared your video with a friend.

[@JanTaylorEllis]

Powerful!! Beautiful!!

[@evekatsav7421]

What beautiful voices you are blessed with.

[@MsLotusBlooms]

Brought tears to me eyes. I feel my ancesters' suffering and hope.

[@justinhoward5534]

Noah, Noah let me come in Do's all fast'ned an' de winders pinned Keep yo' han' on dat plow! Hold on! Hold on! Noah said, Ya lost yo' track Can' plow straight an' keep a-lookin' back Keep yo' han' on dat plow! Hold on! Hold on! Hold on! Keep yo' han' on dat plow! Hold on! Hold on! Hold on! Keep yo' han' on dat plow! Hold on! Mary had a golden chain Ev'ry link was my Jesus' name Keep yo' han' on dat plow! Hold on! Keep on climbin' an' don't you tire Ev'ry rug goes high'r an' high'r Keep yo' han' on dat plow! Hold on! Hold on! Hold on! Keep yo' han' on dat plow! Hold on! Hold on! Hold on! Keep yo' han' on dat plow! Hold on!

[@ibringthepayne8365]

Hey thanks for the lyrics...just reading the words were truly uplifting....when I came across this video years back I immediately felt inspired and uplifted....very intimately spiritual....I come back to listen and of course watch dem' sing....respectively.....then I sing along... So it's comforting to know the words and truly be able to sing the words... May the peace of God be with you brother!

[@bushrachowdhury2175]

Thanks for the lyrics, it helped me for my assignment

[@helenadavis-r.3989]

**SCREAMINGGG** yes yes yes! Gave me chills and goosebumps and everything else!!! Plus, I just realized that's Eric!!!

[@danielledavis5836]

I LOVE THIS so much I shared it with my 8th grade students as part of our studies on African oral tradition. Breathtaking job, gentlemen!!

[@saracart6013]

+Danielle Davis I'm sharing it with my 8th graders as part of our American History, Slavery unit. I'm just amazed and how beautiful this is.

[@britt3491]

My grandmother use to sing this to me. I love this song! Yall got talent!

[@AakwardAardvark]

an excellent version. sung this with the gospel choir at my jazz camp. powerful

[@maryettaharper109]

Absolutely wonderful!! May God's anointing remain on you.

[@philagee1949]

This beautiful song of strength in the midst of our storms has relevancy today as we must continue reaching for the hills from where our strength comes from. Thank you God for in the "Waiting Room of Life" You are still working things out for your sons and daughters. Hallelujah!

[@bdarnell1000]

Simply Beautiful !

[@Neige4444]

The lines about a golden chain, every link inscribed with Jesus’ name is so powerful a transmutation of the chains of hate and hear the beauty of the people trapped by those hateful chains singing in their beautiful souls of the chains of love infinity more powerful is the highest form and testimony of faith I have ever experienced. To have such faith and power is the ultimate. The creators of that vision are the heroes we cannot forget. Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with us.

[@deborahparis9220]

Fantastic...love the old spirituals, can you sing more? Oh Freedom

[@verabarbosa3417]

Magnífico!

Glad to find this, main stream music is destroying music. Beautiful voices making a stirring and joyful noise. Good to hear descendants of ancient Israel sing to Abraham's God who is God. His refining of His wayward and rebellious children may soon be done.

[@dercavalcante]

Amazing Song!!

[@olympiavillalba9114]

I've shared your song to the students of my music class and they, like me, get impressed and touched. Thank you so much from Barcelona, Catalonia!

[@desifrazier6860]

beautiful singing I love it keep holding on to jesus

[@ashleyliedlich8727]

OOOO lawd I imagine it sounded just as resounding and beautiful in those fields too, You know it did. It had too. I love us

[@tammiwoods]

This is so beautiful! I hope you don't mind but I sang this at church last month as my Black history tribute and it really touched ppl. Thank you so much for posting this. You guys are truly blessed with a gift from God.

[@MarkFerry1976]

@CheckDEMout Thank you very much, I do know about that, but didn't know about "Negro spiritual". Thank you so much. It was truly a dark time, and if I think that it lasted after hundreds years it is something I cannot stand in my heart. Ignorance is the mother of such painful deeds and I also mean racism, violence, wars....As I am ignorant too I fear that sometimes I hurt people without knowing it. Your voices are so beautiful, I love you...

[@johnbranca6880]

Why anyone would downvote this is amazing to me.

[@Ghordibari]

It lacks the original soul of the slave. Although these brother are classically and vocally trained, they do not possess the "Soul" that it takes to pull this song off. I myself, sang this song in high school and can tell you, their first mistake was replacing words like "Dem" and "Dat" for the approval of the European ear. These natural essence of what it means to be a slave is stripped when you take on your masters' tongue. Great Job Still!!!

[@shariphilpott472]

My God, I am pierced to the soul!

[@firewoodtime2]

Beautiful song. Was in a movie today called Healing Garden. Powerful movie.

[@psalms91.]

Gloriously done! Praise God! Thank you for sharing.

[@CHAOSMOVEMENT]

I have to say, aside from the base historical facts of our history, listening to songs like this really exposes emotional insights you can't learn from a book.

[@marijotells]

3-21-2021-- viewed this video many times before over the years...always touched & "blown away.🎊" Probably my favorite spiritual..which my sister Gloria Jones-Taylor sings, also sung by our spiritual brother; the world-famous tenor Hannibal Means! This trio really makes "The Ancestors" weep & shout for joy with this sweet & powerful rendition! Ase'! & Amen!🎊🎉🎊🎁

[@lynncooper7520]

Hold on Israelites! Just hold on.

[@almondbrown9126]

IT PUT'S A NEW MEANING TO HOLD ON FOR ME. HEAVEY AND BROKEN IN HEART AND SOUL.

[@TanyaEJ]

God bless you Almond!!

[@almondbrown9126]

I APPRECIATE THAT GOD BLESS YOU AS WELL..AND ENLARGE YOUR TERRITORY.

[@thacabbagekid]

so sad that something so beautiful was created because of some serious hardship! humanity really is something special!

[@khadijahsoulful7337]

This is Simply BEAUTIFUL Woooooooooooow amazingly inspiring. Keep on singing young MEN smiles.

[@grilslatin]

This made me feel the pain of my great grandparents who were enslaved in SC and my dad's parents who enslaved in Mississippi. Your voices are inspiring!!!

[@cynthiagonzalez5893]

It’s a shame that our generation today has lost there way if they only knew what people went through for freedom I think they would be more humble and thankful. You you young gentleman brought tears to my eyes thank you for sharing your gift ❤

[@takishajones6531]

we held on and are still holding on

[@ibringthepayne8365]

I have to come back here and listen every now & then keeping my hand on that plow & still holding on...🗽👐🏽💪🏾🧘🏽‍♀️

[@nammyohorengekyo365]

Amen! Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. (1 Chronicles 16:9 The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)

[@garyklein2645]

*BEAUTIFUL! Touches your soul to the core! HOLD ON!!*

[@janiceblackmon5936]

Excellent. We must keep this history alive

[@thedivinecouncil9997]

I cant believe I've never heard this beautiful song before!! Much love and respect🙏Beauty can come from some of the darkest situations😔